An emergency fundraising event is being put together in Highland Perthshire to raise funds for the key organisations helping survivors of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
In Aberfeldy, a community ceilidh and raffle will bring families to dance at the town hall on Saturday, February 25.
And Sara Cumming (41) - a mother of two, midwife and health researcher at University of Dundee - will do a 24-hour sponsored dance-a-thon which will come to an end just as the main ceilidh event begins.
Organiser Michelle Etherington (42), a lighting designer for theatre and live events, explained: “The fantastic Tarmachan ceilidh band will play live for us. We have local Aberfeldy resident Ian McBride DJing to keep the dancing going until doors close and local business Perthshire Sound and Light providing lights and a PA free of charge.
“I think we were all moved with the devastating news of the earthquake last week and felt the overwhelming urgency to help in whatever way we can.
“This event is a real example of a community coming together, a total team effort.
“Tickets for our raffle are available from the Aberfeldy Information Centre (AIC) in the square, open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, as well as on the night. We have had an incredible response from our generous local businesses. Over 20 donated prizes, including a night’s stay at the Schiehallion Hotel, meal for two at the Courtyard, two £25 vouchers for Piece, chocolate tasting for two at the Highland Chocolatier, a 60 minute massage and free yoga sessions.
“You can be in with a chance of winning for just £2 a strip.
“The fantastic Sara Cumming is bravely taking on the challenge of completing a 24-hour dance-a-thon to raise funds. She will be shaking her tail feathers and twisting the night away Friday evening from 7pm right through until the start of our ceilidh at 7pm on Saturday.”
Sara said: “A mix of 80’s power tunes and funk will be keeping me going.
“And ten years in the NHS means I’m well practiced at staying on my feet for long periods of time!
“I am hoping this act of madness will give people a giggle and make them open their wallets wide in support of the Disaster Emergency Committee and RefugEase - two fantastic organisations currently on the ground working with search, rescue, recovery and aid distribution efforts.”
People can donate directly to the justgiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/24hour-Dance-A-Thon
All money raised will go towards the Disaster Emergency Committee and RefugEase.
Sara and Michelle thanked the business community “for giving their time, talent, skills, equipment and resources for free”.
The event will be BYOB with tickets costing £8 for adults, £4 per child and under 5s coming along for free.
Tickets available online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aberfeldy-family-ceilidh-and-raffle-fundraiser-tickets-546065244847 and also on the door.
