Hundreds of partygoers will step back into the roaring twenties this weekend as Inverness hosts a Great Gatsby inspired Prosecco Picnic in aid of The Archie Foundation.
The sold out fundraiser takes place at the Drumossie Hotel on Saturday, 22 August, bringing together jazz, flapper dresses, prosecco towers and an afternoon dedicated to helping babies, children and families across the Highlands and Islands.
What began as a much smaller gathering has grown dramatically since its launch in 2021, with the event now around four times its original size.
The Prosecco Picnics have raised more than £220,000 for The Archie Foundation over the past five years.
Demand for this year’s event has been particularly strong, with tickets selling out within two weeks and a waiting list still in operation.
Organisers have even had to extend the marquee to accommodate additional guests, with Highland Copiers and Highland Stretch Tents covering the cost of the extra space.
The annual fundraiser is organised by Archie patron Mary Nimmo and her colleague Jacqueline Brown of Munro and Noble Solicitors and Estate Agents.
Mary said:
“I cannot thank our sponsors, table hosts, volunteers, raffle and auction donors, the team at the Drumossie Hotel and all of our fun-loving and generous guests enough.
“We are achieving great things here whilst working with the NHS to support their goals.
“Let’s hope the sun shines and we can showcase the generosity of the people of the Highlands and Islands.”
This year’s Great Gatsby theme will bring some 1920s glamour to Inverness, with guests encouraged to dress for the occasion and a prize for the best dressed guest sponsored by Barclay and Daughters.
Music will come from Willie Campbell and the Tumbling Souls, while the Drumossie Hotel team will provide the food and Archie patron Kenny Smith will take on MC duties.
Neil McGregor, The Archie Foundation’s business development and fundraising manager in the Highlands, said:
“We are so grateful to Mary, Jackie and the team at Munro and Noble for their continued support of the annual Prosecco Picnic, which they continue to organise in aid of the Archie Foundation.
“Many attendees and table hosts have also supported the event year after year, contributing to the amazing fundraising totals they have raised over the last five years.”
Money raised will support The Archie Foundation’s work at the Highland Children’s Unit and across the Highlands and Islands, helping families during hospital visits and stays as well as following bereavement.
Funds will also continue to support the refurbishment of the Birnie Centre, the child development clinic within the grounds of Raigmore Hospital.
After more than £220,000 raised, five years of support and another rapid sell out, the Prosecco Picnic has become considerably more than an afternoon of bubbles and dressing up.
It has become one of Inverness’s big fundraising dates, and this Saturday the city will be putting on the glad rags once again for a cause that reaches families across the Highlands and Islands.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation, including Archie’s Child Bereavement Service.
