Once upon a time at a children’s hospital in Aberdeen, a magical ball was planned by a bear named Archie.

Archie and his friends at The ARCHIE Foundation wanted to hold the first Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital ball to raise funds to make the difference local sick children. They decided to hold the event at The Chester Hotel on Friday 6th October.

“I’m really excited about the ball,” said Archie, “but it needs a special theme.”

So the little bear and his friends thought and thought and they came up with a wonderful idea.

“I know,” said Archie. “We will have a storybook theme for our ball.”

Archie’s friend Joe Mackie, chairman of The ARCHIE Foundation, agreed. “Young or old, everyone has a story that is special to them,” said Joe. “The Children’s Hospital Storybook Ball will bring together some of the best loved children’s tales and create a magical and nostalgic evening.”

Excited by his idea, Archie and friends commissioned a group of very talented local artists to create a series of different storybook themed tables.

“From The Secret Garden and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to The Little Mermaid and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, some favourite stories and characters will make an appearance at the ball,” said Joe.

Archie called his friend Suzanne Scott from Whimsical Lush, who is a very gifted professional artist, and asked her to create a Little Red Riding Hood themed display for the event.

She said: “It’s wonderful to be involved in the first Aberdeen Children’s Hospital Ball. Art plays a very important role in society – it engages people, delights them and really makes them think.

“The storybook theme is incredibly exciting to work with and has brought back some really fond memories of stories I read as a child. I’m sure the artworks unveiled on the night will invoke similar fond memories for those attending.”

Archie also called some of his other Aberdeen-based artist friends including Mary Butterworth, Fiona Chance, Shelagh Swanson, Gabrielle Reid and Catherine Redgate, and they all agreed to help out.

The little bear and his friends at The ARCHIE Foundation have planned everything for a wonderful night, including a scrumdiddlyumptious three-course meal, entertainment and opportunities to support the vital work of the charity making a difference for local sick children when they are in hospital.

Archie and his friends are looking for support and sponsorship from local businesses and for local artists to submit designs for Storybook displays. If you would like to help or would like more information please contact claire@archiefoundation.org.uk

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