Michelle Obama ‘passionate about service’ but not interested in running for president
By ROHESE DEVEREUX TAYLOR
0 Singer Beverley Knight with Sir Tom Hunter and competition winners Melissa Croft and Cerys Gough; Michelle Obama; the former first lady landing at Edinburgh Airport
worked tirelessly to transform the role of first lady, becoming a role model and champion for women and girls across America and beyond.
She went on to tell the business leaders, politicians and philanthropists that she “was not passionate about politics but passionate about service”.
Welsh comedian Rob Brydon was lined up to compere the evening and Scottish rockers Deacon Blue and British soul singer Beverley Knight, who arrived wearing a shocking pink frock, took to
MICHELLE OBAMA
the stage for rousing performances. All of the entertainment acts donated their fees to charities of their choice.
Devin Scobie, founding director of Edinburgh-based communications agency Caledonian Public Affairs, donned his black tie attire ahead of the dinner.
He said: “Michelle Obama is quite easily one of the most inspiring women in the world. When Barack was in power she did so much for kids’ polity.”
Tickets for tables of ten went
on sale from about £5,000 with some tables paying more for a meet and greet with the charismatic wife of the 44th president of the United States.
About 900 tickets were snapped up for the event with many table hosts left with long waiting lists of people keen to hear Mrs Obama speak.
Sir Tom Hunter was “delighted” to welcome Mrs Obama after husband Barack raised £670,000 speaking at last year’s event.
About 1,200 people, including First Minister Nicola Stur-
geon and Harry Potter author JK Rowling attended when the former president made his first trip to Scotland.
The Hunter Foundation has pledged that all funds raised will be distributed to Scottish charities inlcuding CHAS, the Maggie’s Centres and CLIC Sargent.
Donations will also be made to the Obama Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation set up by the Obamas in 2014.
“I want girls to feel like they own the planet and are treated equally”