Fundraising Night

On the 2^nd April 2011 we hosted a race night at the Edinburgh Sports Club at Belford Place and raised over £2,500 on the night, which was an amazing amount! We were at capacity of 100 guests (maybe more!) made up of friends, family and Club Members, who enjoyed the racing action along with a raffle, an auction and karaoke – which I nicknamed ‘Curie-oke’ for the evening due to the cause we were raising funds for. There was a hardcore of guests left till 5.30am on the karaoke!


Many people had not been to a Race Night before but soon got caught up in the buzz and I am led to believe thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment. The night was a great success. So much so that I had targeted raising £2,500 for our charity over the course of the whole challenge but had to re-address our target after we raised that amount in just one night. Sight's were set for £5,000 and fingers were crossed we could reach this.

Thanks to our Master of Ceremonies, James Banks, of James Banks Joinery, the night was very successful and Andrew Forrest, Chairman of the Edinburgh Sports Club (and father of fellow rider Nick Forrest) did a great job as Guest Auctioneer for the evening. Andrew had been the next highest bidder for a hospitality table for 6 at the Edinburgh Monarch's speedway and had lost out to the winning £245 bid. James then offered the same package to Andrew for the price he was willing to pay as the next highest bidder. He was in a bit of a shock and had been backed into a corner but he was a good sport and accepted the offer! Other lots also sold which included a lot of signed football memorablia.


I also have to thank Watermans Solicitors – Scotland’s leading Personal Injury lawyers – and their new iPhone app ‘The Accident Toolkit’ for their sponsorship of the evening which allowed some great raffle prizes to be donated. Lots of local companies also donated prizes for the raffle and auction which was very kind. Bar manager Steve Sproule and Yvonne Smith also sorted out some great food which I am very grateful for.


2 months of organising the event and collecting raffle prizes had paid off and the only thing left was for The Chain Spokers to get on our bikes...