A sparkling charity ball in Inverness has raised just over £100,000 to support babies, children and families across the Highlands.
This year’s annual Moonlight Ball had a diamond theme, with one lucky guest winning a stunning genuine diamond in the raffle.
The sold-out event, which took place at Inverness’ Drumossie Hotel on Friday night (November 7), raised vital funds for children’s charity, The Archie Foundation, which delivers support and services at Raigmore Hospital and across the Highlands and Islands.
Sponsored by Inverness-headquartered energy group Global, the event was organised by Archie patron and long-time supporter Mary Nimmo and her colleague Jacqueline Brown from Munro & Noble Solicitors and Estate Agents.
They are supported by fellow members of Archie’s Highland fundraising committee, which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity through the Moonlight Ball and popular Prosecco Picnic, which is held each summer.
Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal and games, with a raffle and charity auction, before dancing into the wee small hours to live music by The Tumbling Souls.
Neil McGregor, Archie’s business development and fundraising manager for the Highlands, said: “We had another fantastic night at the Moonlight Ball and are so grateful to Mary, Jacqueline and their team for organising this amazing event which raised an incredible amount. The dancefloor was packed all night and guests gave so generously in the auction and raffle.
Jaqueline Brown (left) and Mary Nimmo of Archie’s Highlands fundraising committee, who organised the Moonlight Ball
Moonlight Ball organiser Jacqueline Brown said: “The proceeds from the Moonlight Ball will support families going through the most difficult moments of their lives, whether that’s during a visit to hospital or during a bereavement.
"All money will go directly to supporting Archie’s work across the Highlands and Islands. This funding enables us to provide essential emotional and financial support to babies, children, and their families during their most challenging times.
Archie patron and fellow organiser Mary Nimmo added: “We are so grateful for the generosity of everyone who attended, many who return year on year, and our sponsor Global. We’d also like to thank everyone who supported the auction and raffle, including our star prize of a diamond. It was another hugely successful night!”
Jia Mackenzie, director at sponsor Global, added: “We were proud to continue our support for The Archie Foundation by sponsoring the Moonlight Ball, which raised an incredible amount for Archie. As a locally based business we know how important Archie’s work is and the impact of extra support during a hospital visit or following the loss of a loved one.”
Global shares a vision to be the leading energy and infrastructure solutions provider, delivering people-led, innovative solutions to forward-thinking businesses across multiple sectors.
Archie has helped children and families across the north of Scotland for 25 years, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and, more recently, at Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin.
For more details about the financial, emotional and practical support provided by The Archie Foundation, visit https://archie.org/