On song with new fundraiser
NIKI TENNANT
The chief executive of Kilbryde Hospice teamed up with his daughter to transform their Cambuslang home into a glitzy cabaret venue to raise vital funds.
Gordon McHugh and his Rayanne took to the‘stage’for their second virtual cabaret, which have raised a combined £12,000 for the hospice.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the South Lanarkshire hospice has been unable to fundraise and has lost in the region of £90,000 per month.
Cancelling annual golf days, ladies’ lunches and gala balls has resulted in the hospice being unable to interact with donors.
Knowing that the lack of income from these events would have a severe impact on the hospice, Gordon had the idea of taking the gala ball into supporters’own homes through a live Facebook cabaret show.
He and Rayanne have performed at many dinners, including the annual Donna Mortimer Ballantyne Ball held at Glasgow’s Hilton, and so set about transforming their family home to resemble a stage from the yearly event.
Gordon explained:“It has been a difficult period for the hospice in relation to income generation and we were knocking our heads together to come up with something different.
“I suggested the live Facebook show and off we went.”
More than 22,000 people reacted to the first of two cabarets –some from as far away as New Zealand, Malta and Canada – raising in the region of £9000.
The second show on Friday raised a further £3000.
Rayanne was delighted people enjoyed the show, despite it being an odd way to perform.
She said:“It was rather strange to begin with, as we usually have over 500 people in the room and the place is always buzzing.
“However, once we noticed the lovely comments with the people watching increasing and the donations racking up, it actually turned into a really heart-warming experience.”
Gordon, who also shared the stage with his wife Marie, is now calling on the community to get behind him in making sure that the hospice services can continue to serve local neighbourhoods for many years to come.
He said:“To enable us to continue delivering these services, I have launched an appeal for our community to support us with fundraising.
“Our virtual cabaret night set the scene on how we need to do things differently.
“Can you host a virtual fundraiser, a family friendly quiz, or even a virtual cream tea? If so, get in touch with our fundraising team and they will do all they can to assist.”
Supporters can also donate to the hospice’s Covid-19 appeal at www. kilbrydehospice.org.uk or through www.justgiving.com/ kilbrydehospice