Everyone had an absolute ball as £20,000 is raised for charity

Dec 5 2008 Paisley Daily Express

A MASSIVE £20,000 was raised in aid of charity at this year’s Provost’s Winter Ball.

The event, held at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew, has been hailed a huge success, with all the money raised going to the Renfrewshire branch of Alzheimer Scotland.

The total brought in on the night included a £5,250 bid in the charity auction for a rare piece of artwork by renowned Paisley sculptor Sandy Stoddart.

The piece – a bust of Paisley artist and playwright John Byrne – was donated by Mr Stoddart and is one of only two in the world.

The other is owned by Mr Byrne.

Other items up for grabs in the auction, which was hosted by STV weatherman Sean Batty, who also hails from Paisley, included a seven day holiday for four and the last remaining hospitality tickets for the first match to be played at St Mirren’s new stadium.

Amy Haines, service manager at Alzheimer Scotland Renfrewshire Services, said: “We are surprised and delighted by the generosity of people in Renfrewshire who have raised this huge amount of money.

“We are giving careful thought to how the money will be best used in the Renfrewshire area and are thinking of early post diagnostic and personalisation work.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you from Alzheimer Scotland and from the people here in Renfrewshire who will benefit from the funds raised by the Provost’s Ball.”

Helen Livingston, managing director of Branding Boutique, kicked off the evening’s fundraising with an icebreaker game, which had a minimum £10 donation to play.

She said: “Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, more than £3,000 was raised within the first half hour and the night just kicked off from there.

“It truly was a fantastic event for not only raising funds but also raising awareness of the Alzheimer Scotland charity and I’m sure a wonderful evening was had by all.”

The final donation of the night came from the Piazza shopping centre in Paisley, making the figure up to £20,000.

Maureen Hill, manager of the Piazza, said: “The evening was absolutely fantastic, as was the amount raised for Alzheimer Scotland.

“The Piazza was delighted to donate £500 and take the total up to an outstanding £20,000. We’re looking forward to next’s year event already.”

Entertainment at the ball was provided by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, left, and the Reel Fun Ceilidh Band.

Renfrewshire Provost Celia Lawson, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have managed to raise such a fantastic amount for Alzheimer Scotland.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended the ball, all those who donated the fabulous prizes and those who generously made donations on the night.

“I am especially pleased that such a renowned artist, Sandy Stoddart, donated his own personal bust of John Byrne to be auctioned for such a worthwhile cause.

“This was a unique opportunity for someone to own a very rare piece of artwork and I am delighted that the successful bid came from someone from Renfrewshire.

“Sean Batty did a great job as compere, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers were excellent and a great ceilidh was provided by the Reel Fun Ceilidh Band.

“Overall, the night was a huge success and I’m sure next year will be even better.”

For more information about Alzheimer Scotland, call the freephone 24-hour Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit the website at www.alzscot.org