THREE OF The Archie Foundation’s celebrity patrons have donated money can’t buy experiences for its charity ball this weekend, including a VIP Call the Midwife tour and a visit to the ITV studios to watch the Lorraine show being filmed.
Guests at Archie’s Disco Ball will travel back to the 80s tomorrow (Saturday, August 26) for a night of neon, leg warmers, blue eyeliner and Angel Delight.
With all proceeds going directly to help support local children and their families, it is hoped the amazing auction prizes will significantly boost the total raised at Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel.
Aberdeen actress Laura Main, who plays Shelagh Turner in the popular BBC 1 drama Call the Midwife, has donated a tour of The Historic Chatham Dockyard in Kent, which stands in for Poplar in many of the outdoor scenes.
The lucky bidder will also enjoy afternoon tea with Laura and the chance to catch up on all the behind-the-scenes gossip on Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne and newly-married Trixie and Matthew.
Lorraine Kelly has 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 Basford OBE, Archie’s newest patron, has donated a VIP visit to her studio in Ellon for a tailormade art session, lunch and a goodie bag.
Laura Main, 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’m pleased to be able to donate a trip to the Call the Midwife set and hope the Disco Ball raises a fantastic amount of money for the charity.”
Other auction prizes include a holiday on the Mayen Estate in Banffshire, a trip for four in a motorhome and a VIP tour of the Deans Shortbread factory in Huntly.
Around 200 guests are expected to attend the Disco Ball, which is sponsored by TEXO, with many more bidding remotely on additional silent auction prizes.
After a drinks reception and four-course dinner, the party will move on to the dancefloor with plenty of 80s classics thanks to live band The Limit.
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, said it was set to be a night to remember.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the Disco Ball and all those who have donated these amazing auction and silent auction prizes. Lorraine, Laura and Johanna have all agreed to give up their time to create some fantastic, one-off experiences for the lucky bidders and we hope to raise as much money as possible,” she said.
“In between all the bright make up, terrible fashions and floor filler 80s tunes, we are of course raising money to allow us to continue to ensure Archie is here for children and their families when they need us most.
“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.”
Paula added: “We’re looking forward to a great night and raising as much as possible while remembering the decade that taste forgot!”
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.
- Limited individual tickets are available for the Disco Ball, at a cost of £100 each.
