There was a touch of tropical magic in the Highlands as The Archie Foundation’s much-loved Prosecco Picnic returned in full bloom, raising over £40,000 for children and families in need.
More than 200 guests traded the rolling hills of Scotland for the sun-kissed islands of Hawaii, gathering at The Drumossie Hotel for an afternoon of fundraising, friendship and fizz.
The annual sell-out event, organised with care and passion by Archie patron Mary Nimmo and Jacqueline Brown of Munro & Noble Solicitors and Estate Agents, has become a highlight of the fundraising calendar.
Now in its fourth year, the Prosecco Picnic has raised an extraordinary £180,000 to date, helping The Archie Foundation deliver vital support to babies, children and their families across the Highlands.
This year’s gathering, held on Saturday 7 June, added an impressive £40,100 to that total.
Guests embraced the Hawaiian theme with colourful shirts, grass skirts and flower garlands, while the joyful sound of ukuleles and hula rhythms filled the air, setting the perfect tone for the afternoon.
The Tumbling Souls provided a lively soundtrack, with Kenny Smith from Torridon keeping spirits high as the master of ceremonies.
Throughout the day, a lively raffle, entertaining games and a generous auction kept the fundraising momentum going, with prizes awarded for the most dazzlingly dressed guests.
Adding a local touch, attendees posed for photographs alongside a tractor and a Barclay & Daughters truck, both proving to be popular features of the event.
Neil McGregor, The Archie Foundation’s business development and fundraising manager for the Highlands, praised everyone involved for their unwavering generosity and enthusiasm.
“We are so grateful to Mary, Jacqueline and everyone who came along to support us again,” he said.
“It was another brilliant day with great music, fantastic food, plenty of fizz and some absolutely amazing Hawaiian outfits.”
He added:
“A special thank you to all our table hosts, the prize donors and everyone who contributed.
“Your support makes a real difference to the work we do every single day.”
Every penny raised will go directly towards helping children and families at Raigmore Hospital’s Highland Children’s Unit and across the Highlands and Islands, whether supporting them during hospital stays or helping them through bereavement.
William Nimmo, a proud patron of the charity, reflected on the importance of the event.
“Becoming a patron has been a real honour for me.
“This work truly changes lives and we are so grateful to everyone who gives their time and resources.”
Steven Barclay, founder of Barclay & Daughters, also shared his pride in being involved.
“I am so proud to support The Archie Foundation here in the Highlands and Islands,” he said.
“Thanks to the incredible support from everyone who attends, we are able to achieve great things.”
For more information about the practical, financial and emotional support provided by The Archie Foundation, visit www.archie.org/getsupport.
