Guests at The Archie Foundation’s Disco Ball will have the chance to bid for an extraordinary experience that promises to take children behind the scenes at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH) and become a doctor for a day.
The Disco Ball, which takes place Saturday, August 22 at Union Kirk, promises to be a night of fun, flares and dance floor-filling tunes, with guests encouraged to don sparkles or their favourite disco attire, bringing a little Saturday Night Fever to the Granite City.
The ‘Doctor for the Day’ experience is one of many prizes available in the Disco Ball’s silent auction, which is open now to bids from anyone looking to support the children’s charity, as well as guests on the night.
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 on the night, which is sponsored by TEXO.
The exclusive prize will offer one group of up to four children, accompanied by two adults, the opportunity to spend a special day at RACH, meeting real-life paediatricians and surgeons and discovering what it takes to care for young patients.
Kindly donated by paediatric surgeons Mr Mike Reidy and Miss Gillian Winter, the experience will allow budding doctors to get “scrubbed up” just like the professionals before exploring clinical areas, learning more about the incredible work of the hospital team and taking part in hands-on activities designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes.
Dean’s of Huntly has also donated an exclusive experience, with the lucky bidder winning a rare opportunity to step inside the Dean’s production site in Huntly and see first-hand how the iconic shortbread is crafted.
Other silent auction prizes include a Marcliffe spa experience, a 6-month lifestyle membership at Aberdeen Sports Village, a signed Aberdeen Football Club shirt and hospitality experience for two – plus a life-sized model of 80s icon ET!
Ruth McIntosh, head of fundraising at The Archie Foundation, said the prizes offered unique opportunities that money can’t buy.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the Disco Ball and all those who have donated amazing silent auction prizes. There are some fantastic one-off experiences for bidders to win and we hope to raise as much money as possible both on the night and through the silent auction to support local children and families.
“In Aberdeen, our work includes creating a child-friendly environment at RACH, bereavement services for both children who have lost a loved one, and much-needed financial support for families with children who have complex medical needs.
“The Disco Ball is always a highly anticipated fixture in our events calendar and rightly so. We’re looking forward to what will be a great night and we’ll see you on the dance floor!”
Alongside the silent auction, guests will enjoy a three-course meal, a live auction, a raffle and disco entertainment throughout the evening.
Almost 200 guests are expected to attend the Disco Ball, with many more bidding remotely on the silent auction prizes.
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.
Bidding on the silent auction is now open and will run until Monday 24 August at 12pm. To view the full list of prizes and to start your bidding, visit https://archie.org/disco-auction/.