The P&J Charity Gala has once again demonstrated the power of community giving, by raising an astonishing £56,913.99 for two impactful local charities. Hundreds of north and northeast business community guests attended P&J Live on February 21 to support the P&J Community Fund.
A night of giving: Inside the P&J Charity Gala
TV star Ben Hanlin hosted the event in collaboration with Cala Homes, it was filled with laughter and a touch of magic. It has now been revealed that a total of £56,913.99 was raised as local businesses united to generously support the charities transforming lives in the north and north-east.
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The event raised funds for their newly appointed charity partners, Clan Cancer Support and Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation. Last month, the charities’ bosses were ecstatic when they discovered they had been selected in a surprise video call.
These causes were selected from hundreds of charities who nominated themselves across Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands and Islands. More than 4,000 readers backed them in a public vote. The P&J will support Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation and Clan Cancer Support for the next two years.
Supporting two inspiring charities: Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation and Clan Cancer Support
Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation is a Scottish Children’s Charity supporting children with Cancer. They know how important it is to live every moment of every day to the fullest. Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation is there to spread Abbie’s Sparkle and help brighten a child’s day—# sparkle.
They support the physical and mental health of Children with Cancer by providing gifts, treats and family holidays at Abbie’s Sparkle Lodge. They do this to put a smile on the face of a child undergoing challenges due to cancer, giving them even a tiny moment to feel happier, so that they are aware that someone is thinking of them and understanding that times are hard.
They give a child a treat that perhaps the family, due to circumstances, can no longer afford. They help support children who are away from home having treatment. They also assist families in making special memories together while spreading the awareness of Sarcoma and Childhood Cancer.
Their impact is far-reaching and long-lasting. They bring happiness to children, which in turn supports families. They can keep families together during treatment, encourage children to continue with school work, support recovery, and help build strength post-treatment.
On the other hand, Clan Cancer Support is a well-established local charity that provides emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer in northeastern Scotland, Moray, Orkney, and Shetland. It offers a relaxed, welcoming, and caring environment at its Clan House, purpose-built support and well-being center in Aberdeen, and many community bases.
Since 1983, Clan has developed specialist knowledge and understanding of how a cancer diagnosis impacts not just the person diagnosed but also their wider circle of family and close friends. Their range of person-centered services is delivered using qualified and experienced counsellors, therapists, and support volunteers, which is focused on the general well-being of their clients.
Clan aims to help people live with and beyond cancer and improve the quality of life for all those who turn to it for help and support. To ensure the ongoing provision of its free services, Clan relies on the generosity of many individuals, families, and companies.
On the night of the P&J Charity Gala, £20,000 of the final total was presented to the charities to kick off the partnership. Guests participated in a live and silent auction and a game of heads-and-tails that involved the whole room.
“The P&J Charity Gala was a fantastic night. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase our charity partners, Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation and Clan Cancer Support, and raise money for two great causes.’’ Press and Journal Editor Craig Walker said.
He remarked that they’re looking forward to working with the two charities to highlight their work and, hopefully, increase awareness and support.
“The P&J Charity Gala was again a fantastic evening, bringing the community together to support two truly inspiring charities. We look forward to seeing how the funds raised through The P&J Community Fund will provide invaluable support over the next two years.” Speaking after the event, Fraser Carr, managing director of headline sponsor Cala Homes (North), said.
The overwhelming success of this year’s event highlights the incredible power of collective giving. As The P&J Community Fund embarks on its new journey with Clan Cancer Support and Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation, the impact of these funds will continue to ripple throughout the region, transforming lives and strengthening communities.