Saturday 19 September 2009
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Gala Dinner and Auction
A gathering of nearly 500 guests, representing a wide cross section and age span of the Heriot's community, enjoyed a wonderful evening at Prestonfield House on 19th September in celebration of Heriot's 350th Anniversary. The food was excellent, the company convivial, and the entertainment hugely enjoyable.
The total of bids in the silent and main auctions and gift pledges made on the night came to the magnificent sum of £99, 926! With subsequent gifts and the proceeds from ticket sales, the grand total raised in aid of the Heriot's Foundation and Bursaries was £123,295.49, a magnificent sum.
Many people had a hand in the success of the evening and we would particularly like to thank the following:
- those who helped in the organisation of the evening, ably led by Mrs Jo Easton
- all who donated items for the auctions
- James Thomson of Prestonfield House for his generous sponsorship of the reception and table decorations
- our auctioneer, Bernard Williams of Christie's
- our speakers, FPs Gavin Esler, General Sir Bob Richardson, David McLetchie MSP, Allain Bailey Natella, and current pupil Georgina Barker
- world famous jazz pianist and FP Brian Kellock, who provided the musical entertainment
Finally, our grateful thanks to everyone there on the night, whose presence and participation, in raising such a wonderful sum, have exemplified the spirit of the School motto "Distribute Cheerfully".