Greenock Medical Aid Society recently held its most successful St Valentine’s Ball to date in Greenock Town Hall as a major part of its fundraising activities. The event was so successful last year that it helped to increase the demand for tickets and for tables at this year’s Ball. The St Valentine’s Ball is now established as an annual event, not only in the Society’s fundraising and social calendar, but also amongst the people and businesses of Inverclyde. The event is clearly going from strength to strength.
The evening kicked off with a Champagne Reception at the earlier time of 6.30pm which had been brought forward by 30 minutes to create more time for dancing later in the evening. There was a charity raffle and auction which were important aspects of the many fundraising activities that were held throughout the evening. The Ball was a fantastic evening of good food, good music and, most importantly, good company. The support from local businesses and individuals was very encouraging in terms of ticket and table sales and through the donation of items for the charity raffle and auction.
Charles Young, Chief Executive of the Society said “The support we received from many local businesses both large and small has been fantastic particularly when you consider the current difficult market trading conditions many of them are continuing to face. We endeavoured to generate as much publicity for these businesses as we could at the event so that their support for the Society was acknowledged by the 200 guests”.
An amazing range of items were on offer for the auction including a day’s sailing with lunch and refreshments for 4 people on a luxury yacht, a self-catering apartment in Cyprus, a gourmet dinner for 12 people prepared by a professional chef in the successful bidder’s home, Chairman’s hospitality for 4 people at a home match at Greenock Morton, and a family portrait by a renowned local artist, to name but a few. The highlight of the auction was an original oil painting by world famous local artist, James Watt, which attracted strong bids.
Charles added “We were very fortunate to have received many excellent auction items which attracted strong bids. I was also particularly pleased with the tremendous support we’ve had from many local businesses, hotels and restaurants who have donated excellent prizes not only for the auction but also for the raffle which was another important source of fundraising at the Ball”.
The Town Hall was beautifully decorated in a red and black St Valentine’s theme ranging from a stunning red heart shaped balloon display which formed the centre background to the stage and which also matched by the colour scheme of the table covers and chair decorations. Music for the evening was provided by ‘Freedom’ who were a great success. So popular is the style and quality of music provided each year at the Ball that the table plan has had to be amended yet again to create more space on the dance floor!
A grand total of £15,125 was raised at the Ball which is a great achievement with credit going to the Society’s PR and Fundraising Committee who put in a sterling effort when planning the event. The money raised at the St Valentine’s Ball will go towards the creation of a more dementia-friendly environment in Bagatelle and Glenfield.
Please click HERE to view the photos of the Ball. Photographs of guests at the Ball were taken courtesy of Michael Young of George Young Photographers, Kempock Street, Gourock