Sands Ball
Our 2nd Grand Ball was held in September at Easterbrook Hall. There was a lot to live up to after the phenomenal success of our 1st ball in 2011. We managed to sell 300 tickets through word of mouth with the help of our many friends, family and Sands supporters. We were fortunate to have the help of Jenna Laidlaw, event planner again, who managed to source some fantastic auction prizes, organize the band and the décor of the room.
We showed a short film of Margaret an elderly lady who lost her baby girl in 1947, who we helped create a memorial garden in Kircudbright cemetery for. The film demonstrates that you never forget regardless of how long ago, Margaret’s story is very moving.
We then enjoyed a delicious 3 course dinner, beautifully prepared and served by the excellent staff of Easterbrook Hall. Then we held our grand auction, hosted by Robin Anderson auctioneer at Castle Douglas Marts, who was excellent at making people bid higher. We had the excellent “Not Guilty” playing and the dance floor was packed all night. The raffle was full of kindly donated prizes from family, friends and many local businesses.
Amanda Trotter provided a photography studio in The Gilchrist rooms where guests could have portraits done with friends and family, and many took the opportunity to be photographed in their finery.
We were not disappointed and were blown away by the success of the evening again. The feedback from guests has been so positive and again has far exceeded our expectations. The sum raised was £10 000 which will be used to provide care and support to parents in Dumfries & Galloway who have suffered the tragedy of Stillbirth or neonatal death. Susan, Dee and I are so grateful to everyone who helped us raise awareness of this tragedy and for the amazing amount raised at our ball, thank you everyone.
Alison– chair D&G Sands