May 2009
Capgemini Black and White Ball raises
£55,000
The Capgemini Black and White Ball, Glasgow’s first
ever ‘green carpet’ event, exceeded all expectations by raising
over £55,000 on the night for The Trust, whilst simultaneously
highlighting the need for environmental change.
Guests at the Ball bid thousands of pounds for a complete signed
box set of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series which went for £15,000
to the highest bidder Jamie Rae, Chief Executive of Redeem. Other
auction items included a Chris Hoy signed cycling suit; an
ethically sourced diamond; an exclusive Carol Smillie drawing and a
Windsave wind turbine.
Held at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel, the dinner was attended by over
400 of Scotland’s leading businessmen and women who were joined on
the green carpet by David Sneddon and Miss Earth Scotland. Scottish
TV celebrity, Bryan Burnett was Master of Ceremony.
The evening also marked the successes achieved by the young
people supported by The Prince’s Trust with some playing an
instrumental role in planning the event and Young Ambassador, Chris
McCann giving an outstanding account of how The Trust has helped
change his life.
Xl pupil David Elder from Webster’s High school in Angus won a
wind turbine for his school after his creative eco-goodie bag
design was chosen as the winner by judge Carol Smillie. Every guest
who attended the ball went home with one of the exclusive bags
which was packed with eco luxuries.
Carbon Neutral
Careful consideration and time was given to ensuring that
everything from the food and wine to the transport home was not
harmful to the environment. Replacing the usual taxi journey, the
Stagecoach bio bus was on hand to take guests home.
The event achieved carbon neutrality with all carbon emissions
offset through the purchase of carbon credits in environmentally
friendly schemes around the globe via Carbon Accountable.
I am delighted that such a huge amount was
raised for The Prince’s Trust. The aim of the ball is to raise
money in a sustainable and glamorous way and I think that everyone
really entered into the spirit of things.
- Amy Sieweke, UK Director of
Capgemini’s Platinum Patronage to The Prince’s Trust