Businesses are happy to give something back
With lots still flooding in to the annual Perth Silent Auction, businesses are being warmly thanked for their customary generosity.
Gordon Hay, president of the Rotary Club of Perth, which runs the fundraiser in tandem with the Perthshire Advertiser, has been thrilled by the rapid response.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the business community in the Perth area,” he said.
“The lots entered in the auction this year are amazing and the Perth Silent Auction is greatly indebted to these businesses.
“As a retired company owner myself, I know the demands placed on business and it is heart warming to know that so many companies are happy to put something back into the local community.”
The charities to benefit this year are the Macmillan Cornhill Palliative Care Unit at Perth Royal Infirmary and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and other local charities.
“As always, the charities being supported this year need help,” said Gordon. “I personally met Doddie recently and was humbled by his determination to raise as much as he can for research into motor neurone disease.
“Macmillan Cornhill Palliative Care Unit in Perth relies on our support to make life more comfortable for those who use the service.
“The Perth Silent Auction also supports other local charities where even a small donation can make a huge difference. Usually run by volunteers, these people are often the unsung heroes of our community.”
Perth-based Carbon Financial has again teed-up a lot which is sure to appeal to golfers – and rugby fans.
It is a regular supporter of the Bill McLaren Foundation and an annual golf day at Blairgowrie always attracts Scotland oval ball legends.
Carbon managing director Gordon Wilson has offered a team entry for the 2020 event to go under the hammer.
He said: “We are also proud to have supported other fundraisers for My Name’5 Doddie.
“It’s a fantastic foundation - and well worthy of support.”
Perth businessman John Bryden is always quick to back the silent auction.
This year, The Loft nightclub in the city’s South Street has donated a night on the town for a party of eight. The winning bidder will enjoy free entry to the club with seven friends, with a bottle of vodka and a choice of two mixers awaiting them in a private booth.
John said: “It’s great to be supporting the Macmillan Cornhill Centre at the PRI again and you don’t have to be a died-in-the-wool rugby fan to know all about the great work Doddie Weir and his foundation are doing to support research into motor neurone disease.”
Among the first-time backers this year is Stine Hope at The Yard in Perth’s Shore Road.
She has donated a table for four with food tokens next year at the popular laid-back ‘Social Sunday’.
J Mitchell and Son is a longstanding supporter of the silent auction, coming up trumps with a number of items, including an angle grinder, tie down straps, log splitting axes, petrol can and extension lead.
John Mitchell explained: “Supporting the Perth Silent Auction is just good sense. It raises lots of money. We can see where the money is spent, and it brings the community together – business, the local paper and local people.
“Having known someone with motor neurone disease, I am fully behind this year’s charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.”
At Struans MotorHome Rental Perth and RoamScotland, Neil Campbell noted: “The Perth Silent Auction is a tremendous way of raising money for worthwhile charities.
“We are delighted to donate a lot to be auctioned to the highest bidder and to be part of the success of the auction.
“This year’s charities are very worthwhile and we encourage local businesses to get involved and local people to bid as much as they can.”
This year, Elaine Halley, of the Cherrybank Dental Spa, has donated a teeth whitening session.
She said: “We have been delighted to support the Perth Silent Auction for many years.
“I feel it is integral to the community of Perth and surrounding areas and the range of causes and projects that the Rotary Club supports make it a very worthy cause.”
Ewan Scott of GLDGroup, Blairgowrie said: “I admire the Perth Silent Auction team, the Rotary Club of Perth and the Perthshire Advertiser, for their continued efforts in raising so much money for charity. The silent auction website is a fun and innovative way for businesses to get involved with this fantastic annual fund raising event.”
To donate a lot for 2019, or for any enquiry:
• Email Silentauction@dlpltd. com • Call 01738 620161 • Log onto the website www.perthsilentauction.co.uk and click on “Donate a Lot”