Hugely successful night takes fundraisers back to the 80s for The Archie Foundation
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A nostalgic trip back to the 80s has raised £29,000 for The Archie Foundation, with all proceeds going directly to help support local children and their families.
Around 200 guests attended the Archie Disco Ball at Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel where they enjoyed 10p mix-ups, vol-au-vents, Angel Delight and Pac-Man arcade games.
Ater a drinks reception and four-course dinner, the party continued on the dancefloor, with live 80s music courtesy of The Limit.
Among the fantastic prizes auctioned on the night were money can’t buy experiences donated by three of the charity’s patrons, Lorraine Kelly, Laura Main and Johanna Basford OBE.
Aberdeen actress Laura, who plays Shelagh Turner in the popular BBC 1 drama Call the Midwife, donated a tour of The Historic Chatham Dockyard in Kent, which stands in for Poplar in many of the outdoor scenes, and afternoon tea and a chance to ask her all about the show.
Laura, who attended Hazlehead Academy, said: “I am so proud to be a patron of The Archie Foundation and as an Aberdonian, I know only too well the amazing work the charity does to support babies, children and their families. I was pleased to be able to donate a trip to the Call the Midwife set and help to raise a fantastic amount of money for the charity.”
Lorraine donated an exclusive visit to the Lorraine studios for a morning tour of the green room, make up and wardrobe, as well as the rare chance to watch the show being transmitted live!
And acclaimed artist Johanna, who is Archie’s newest patron, donated a VIP visit to her studio in Ellon for a tailormade art session, lunch and a goodie bag.
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, said it was a hugely successful night, sponsored by TEXO.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the Disco Ball and to all those who donated and bid for these amazing auction and silent auction prizes. It was great to see everyone having a brilliant night and many guests went all out with their 80s costumes too!
“All the proceeds from the Disco Ball will allow us to continue to ensure Archie is here for children and their families when they need us most – £29,000 is equivalent to the cost of four rooms in our parents’ accommodation for a year, or 16 cots for babies in the new Baird Family Hospital,” said Paula.
“Facilities such as The Archie Family Centre at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital allow parents to stay with their children when they are unwell and need mum or dad there. We also provide vital bereavement services for both children who have lost a loved one and families who have sadly lost a child, and much-needed financial support at a time when families have enough to think about.”
The Archie Foundation exists to transform experiences and outcomes in healthcare and bereavement for babies, children and families across North Scotland, including Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverness and Dundee.
The charity’s vision is that all children in the region will have equal access to world-class healthcare and bereavement support, delivered in a child-appropriate environment and manner.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.
