Burns Night event raises £8,000

All ready for Step by Step's Burns Night party are (l-r) Mike Brown (Chairman), Beth Price and Alistair McKenzie-Boyce (clients), Amanda Dubarry (CEO), Gerald Howarth (MP for Aldershot)

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A traditional Burns Night event was acclaimed as a huge success by organisers and guests, who included local MP for Aldershot, Gerald Howarth. The event raised over £8,000 for Step by Step, the Aldershot-based charity which works to alleviate the effects of homelessness on young people by providing accommodation, training and one-to-one support to over 500 young people each year.

The event, to celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns, was held in the historic Former Army Staff College at Sandhurst. The tasteful surroundings, subdued candlelight and piper Callum Armstrong, resplendent in full highland costume, immediately created the right atmosphere for an elegant and relaxed evening. On arrival the 130 guests were greeted by Step by Step clients Beth Price and Alistair McKenzie-Boyce. All the delights of a traditional Burns Night supper were provided, including, of course, the haggis, which was piped in with due ceremony and the Ode to the Haggis, read by Jim Burns. Suitably refreshed, guests settled back to enjoy Alan Lockey's fulsome tribute to Scotland's favourite son and his contribution to Scottish culture, culminating in a whisky toast to the haggis. Russell James followed this up with his entertaining 'Toast to the Lassies' and an equally amusing reply came from Caroline Vaughan.

An auction was held under the auspices of David Ford, a professional auctioneer and valuer who regularly appears on ITV's Dickenson's Real Deal. The lots on offer, all generously donated, included a meal for eight people cooked by Rob Kennedy, the award-winning chef, and a guided tour of the House of Commons. A Silent Auction was also held throughout the evening. Guests responded very generously in their bidding for both auctions, which raised over £4,000 alone. Jigworks, the popular Wantage-based folk band, provided music and instructions for some energetic and enjoyable ceilidh dancing to round off the evening.

Gerald Howarth MP, said “I was delighted to support Step by Step’s Burns’ Night event. It was a wonderful evening which not only raised a considerable amount of money but also increased awareness of the excellent work undertaken by Step by Step.”

Event organisers Annette Althen and Gill Butler were thrilled with the results of the evening. “All our guests really enjoyed the evening and we were delighted that the generosity of our donors and guests raised so much money for the work of Step by Step,” said Gill. “The beautiful setting really enhanced the atmosphere of the event,” added Annette, “and it was good that Beth and Alistair were able to contribute so positively to the occasion – they did us proud.”

Step by Step's Fundraising department are planning more activities for 2011, including a 'Big Sleepout' at Aldershot Football Ground on June 17th. They would love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer their help for this or other events, either in the preparation or on the day. If you're interested in helping to support the charity in this way, please contact Annette (annette.althen@stepbystep.org.uk) or Gill (gill.butler@stepbystep.org.uk) or telephone them on 01252 327317.

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Burns Night £8,000 success for local homeless charity