The Courier has been credited with helping to smash a fundraising target for The Prince’s Charities in Scotland.
First Minister Alex Salmond, who shared his tips in a special column in our paper, said Courier readers attending the Perth Racecourse Charities Day in August who followed his expert advice would have had plenty of money to spare for donation buckets.
He returned to the racecourse on Tuesday to hand over a cheque totalling £236,000 to The Prince’s Charities, with the money raised through two high-profile events, the race day and the Stagecoach Gala Dinner.
”I am very proud to have been involved with this project,” said Mr Salmond. ”The Charities Race Day and gala dinner were an incredible success and the organising committee and Perth Racecourse must be very pleased with what they have achieved.
”We had originally set a target of £200,000, although we kept this private because it seemed like such a huge amount. To get £236,000 is extraordinary and way beyond anybody’s expectations.
”I am quite certain that the total was given a further boost by those who read The Courier and backed my tips!”
The Perth Racecourse Charities Race Day on August 20 was attended by thousands of people, including the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay and is thought to have brought in an additional £2 million to the local economy.
It was supported by around 100 companies, including our own DC Thomson, Scottish Power and SSE, who sponsored the £40,000 Scottish Hydro Summer Hurdle Champion trophy.
Racecourse manager Sam Morshead added: ”I am confident that the Charities Race Day has successfully raised awareness of The Prince’s Charities in Scotland, as well as providing a wonderful family race day that will live long in people’s memories.”
While most of the total came from the racing event, the Stagecoach gala dinner set the fundraising ball rolling, with guests bidding on a range of prizes.IN PICTURES: Perth Charities Race DayChairwoman of the fundraising committee, Lady Sara Cornwallis, said: ”In today’s difficult economic climate, it can be extremely difficult for young people to have access to opportunities,” she said.
”However, thanks to the generosity of those guests who attended both the gala dinner and the race day and to those who offered substantial bids with in the auction and raffle, the Prince’s Charities in Scotland will continue to assist young people to make life changing decisions and change the course of their lives.”