21st Touch of Tartan Ball Raises £112,000 for CHILDREN 1^ST

21st Touch of Tartan Ball Raises £112,000 for CHILDREN 1^ST

North-east supporters of the prestigious Touch of Tartan Ball succeeded in raising £112,000 at this year’s glittering event.

Despite the wintry weather, around 500 people gathered at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen last Friday evening (21st November) for the annual event, hailed as one of Scotland’s biggest fundraisers.

The ball was attended by celebrity couple Laurence and Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen who have supported the event for a number of years, following in the footsteps of the late Princess Margaret.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary year, the ball has raised a total of more than £1million for CHILDREN 1^ST since it was launched.

The success of the event has always been down to the support and generosity of the North-east public.

Those attending this year’s event showed no signs of the supposed credit crunch as they generously donated and bid thousands of pounds for the numerous exclusive auction items.

The auction lot which received the highest bid was a special prize announced by the Llewelyn-Bowen’s on the night.

Last year the couple auctioned off dinner at their family home in England, however, this year they went a step further by offering the highest bidder the chance to spend a weekend at their home and live like the Llewelyn-Bowens.

After a bidding war Sean Johnson of Interocean Marine Services of Aberdeen had the winning bid of £5,000.

The prestigious Banchory Bangle draw also took place at the Ball, following months of ticket sales across the North-east.

The gold bangle created by jewellery designer Malcolm Appleby was won by John Billet from Nairn, while Denise Hide, from Tillycorthie, won the silver version of the exclusive piece.

Touch of Tartan Ball Chairwoman, Juliette Paton, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have once again succeeded in raising such a huge amount of money for CHILDREN 1^ST.  The generosity of the people of the North-east is amazing, particularly in the current economic climate, and it is just wonderful that so many individuals, businesses and organisations continue to support and sponsor the ball after 21 years.”

Emily Johnson Senior Regional Fundraiser, CHILDREN 1^ST said: "The Touch of Tartan Ball was a magnificent success!  All of the committee’s hard work throughout the year was certainly evident.  The Touch of Tartan Ball is most definitely a highlight in the Aberdeen calendar in more ways than one, it is an event that all guests look forward to with an amazing reputation and also an event that raises so much money for CHILDREN 1ST, truly making a difference to the lives of Scotland's vulnerable children and their families."

Issued by Frasermedia Ltd on behalf of CHILDREN 1^ST & the Touch of Tartan Ball Committee

Contact details:
Pauline Fraser, Frasermedia Ltd
email pauline@frasermedia.co.uk or (01224) 221458/07812 131175

Emily Johnson, CHILDREN 1^ST
Email emily.johnson@children1st.org.uk or (01224) 251152