A spectacular charity bash has raised a phenomenal £170,000 for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre in Edinburgh.  

Host for the evening, TV presenter and producer, Sally Gray, was joined by approximately 350 people, including prominent Scots from the worlds of business and arts, at Prestonfield Hotel on Saturday.  And a fabulous 70metre high Maggie’s logo was projected onto Arthur’s Seat for all the guests arriving to see, as well as many people in the Prestonfield area.

And Maggie’s Centre in Edinburgh was delighted to raise even more money than expected after a generous sponsor, who wishes to remain anonymous, picked up the tab for the entire cost of the ball – meaning that all money raised on night will go directly to Maggie’s.

The grandiose evening, which is hoped will set the bar for future balls across Scotland, started with a cocktail reception in the ice marquee, which included an ice bar and sculptures, stunning theatrical entertainers, and a balloon burst game, with a chance to win two nights at the Four Seasons in Province.

Moving through to the dining area, guests enjoyed a three course meal, with Swarovski crystals scattered on tables to add sparkle, dramatic table centre flowers, fire torches and entertainment from internationally renowned Kit and the Widow.

Lord Dalmeny, Depute Chairman of Sotherby’s hosted the Red Hot Auction.  Grand prizes included: Having your home transformed by Edinburgh’s latest and most talked about interior designer, Alison Vance; the commissioning of a portrait of one person, or a couple by top Edinburgh artist, Jonathan Freemantle; a week In the luxurious Chalet Louisa in Verbier; the opportunity to visit Stephen Webster’s workshops in London and together design a bespoke piece of jewellery to the value of £10,000; the chance to sail the Eastern seaboard of the US on board the luxurious 78ft Kemmuna, and much more.

The highest bid on the evening was £17,000 for one week’s accommodation at a stunning private estate on the clifftop in Uluwatu, South Bali.

In addition, an Ice Cool Auction ran throughout the evening and included prizes, such as Wimbledon centre court tickets; a complete set of seven Harry Potter books including a signed first edition of The Deathly Gallows and dinner for eight cooked by professional chef James Davie, to name a few.

Since opening at the Western General Hospital in 2006, Maggie’s Edinburgh has welcomed thousands through their doors, with around 70 people dropping into the Centre each day.  The Centre offers a unique programme of emotional and psychological support, practical information and stress and relaxation management.  Maggie’s rely entirely upon donations and fundraising to provide their free of charge service.

Maggie’s Edinburgh Community Fundraiser, Marion Taylor, said: "A fabulous evening was had by all on Saturday night and the generosity from those who attended was overwhelming. 

"Maggie's Edinburgh rely entirely upon donations and fundraising.  Subsequently, the phenomenal sum of £170,000 will go a huge way to helping us to provide our vital programme of support and practical information to people affected by cancer.

"A big thank you to the Fire and Ice organising committee, who managed to create what must have been one of the most spectacular balls ever thrown in Scotland."

(3 November 2007)