Amy Macdonald, Texas and Wet Wet Wet were among the artists who performed at a virtual charity ball with two North Lanarkshire organisations receiving a share of the £60,000 raised.
The Catherine McEwan Foundation (CMF) helped spread the love by donating a total of £3500 to Chris’s House and St Andrew’s Hospice. The money was raised at its annual flagship event the Red Hot Ball which was staged as a virtual stream for the first time.
Traditionally CMF donate the proceeds from one of the lots at their auction to another charity, but this year things were different – despite suffering a loss of income themselves during a difficult year-and-a-half they doubled up on their efforts and chose two charities.
The Catherine McEwan Foundation raises money to help those suffering with Crohn's and Colitis enjoy a better quality of life and enhanced treatment.
Founder Derek McEwan was blown away by the total raised, helped by performances from the likes of Tom Walker and Gun, and heartstring-tugging moments from brave patients and warriors of all ages.
An Eden Mill Gin Experience which for £3000 in aid of Chris’ House, and an Aberfeldy overnight, dinner and distillery tour donated by Dewar’s whisky raised £500 for St Andrew’s Hospice.
Anne Rowan, who founded Chris’s House, said: “While our important work continues day in, day out, the last 12 months have been challenging from a fundraising perspective, with numerous fundraising events having to be sadly cancelled due to the pandemic.
“With this in mind, we’re more grateful than ever for the incredible support of The Catherine McEwan Foundation. Their help really is making all the difference.”
And Bruce MacKenzie of St Andrew’s Hospice said: “On behalf of our patients, the family and our staff at St Andrew’s Hospice I would love to say a huge thank you to Derek and everyone at The Catherine McEwan Foundation for their sizeable donation.
"It has been a tough time for us all during the pandemic, to know that there are charities out there still helping others out during the hardest times is a true reflection of the Foundation.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we wish you all the best in the future.”
Derek was determined to continue the tradition with two organisations that provide exceptional health support the benefactors.
He said: “It’s a tradition we began way back in the very early days of the Catherine McEwan Foundation, and a tradition that genuinely warms my heart.
“I’m very proud that we do it, and it’s one of the things I think sums us up as an organisation - we want to support and help others around us as they try to help their communities in turn.
“That’s why we donated £5000 to SWG3’s PPE campaign in 2020, and this year we picked two charities which for sad reasons were close to our hearts over the last year.
“Chris’ House is a wonderful mental health charity doing incredible work, which we selected in honour of our friend Paul Strange and his family.
“And St Andrew’s Hospice do wonderful work and have done for many years. They greatly helped our friend Andy Richardson and his family in his battle with cancer.
“We hope our donations make a difference in some small way and even encourage other charities to consider spreading the love in this manner.
“Try it – now more than ever, it feels like the right thing to do.”
Film fans will be flocking to the Catherine McEwan Foundation’s Lockdown Drive-in Movies at Falkirk Stadium this weekend.
The weekend kicks off with Batman Begins on Friday with a big Singalong Special on Saturday that includes Grease, Mamma Mia & Dirty Dancing.
And on Sunday they will be treated to the original classic Star Wars trilogy and have the opportunity for a meet and greet with their heroes including Darth Vader, Chewbacca and R2D2. The stadium will be patrolled by Storm Troopers to keep the peace and allow everyone that all important selfie.
Tickets can be found at catherinemcewanfoundation.com and are only £29.50 per car.
Book early to avoid disappointment. May the Force Be With You!
