National Trust for Scotland Foundation Hosts Glittering Debut U.S. Fundraiser
 |
|
PROFESSOR Michael Scott-Morton, Chairman, National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, presents author Alexander McCall Smith with the 'Great Scot' award.
|
NEW YORK, NY - National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA held its debut fundraising event in New York City on April 9 at the prestigious Metropolitan Club.
More than 230 guests from around the world gathered for a convivial evening of music, fashions, whisky tasting, laughter, and excellent food.
Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith was presented with The Great Scot Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to Scotland and Scottish culture worldwide, and charmed the guests with his humourous remarks.
In a letter welcoming guests, Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City, praised The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, the American arm of the National Trust for Scotland, for its work to promote and preserve Scotland's history among Scottish Americans and American supporters of Scotland.
The Macallan treated guests to a whisky tasting during cocktails and continued pouring all evening from its stock of 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malts. Scottish designer Sandra Murray shared her unique and exciting creations on seven extraordinary models.
Maeve Gilchrist, a young Edinburgh harpist and vocalist, opened the evening with her rendition of Calling Doon the Line, accompanied by a compelling video of photos of Scottish soldiers from the First World War.
After dinner, Alasdair Nichol, frequent appraiser on PBS' Antiques Roadshow, conducted an auction of six extraordinary items donated by The Royal Scotsman, Connoisseurs Scotland, Gleneagles Hotel, Continental Airlines, BritRail, the National Trust for Scotland, Mrs. I. W. Colburn, portraitist Johanna Spinks, and The Macallan.
Other contributors to the overall success of the evening were purveyors of fine Scottish goods, which found their way into guests' goodie bags: cashmere scarves from Johnstons of Elgin, Scottish fudge from Gourmet Scotland, shortbread cookies from Walkers Shortbread, an Eyewitness Travel Guide to Scotland and two titles by honoree, Alexander McCall Smith.
Chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Hubbard and Mrs. Donna Schinderman, the evening netted more than $100,000 and made many new friends for the Foundation.
The 2009 event will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at The Metropolitan Club. Visit www.ntusa.org for more information.
The National Trust for Scotland one of Scotland's leading conservation charities, which relies on the financial support of its members to fund its important work of caring for the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland for everyone to enjoy.
The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA exists to support the work of the National Trust for Scotland. Since 2000, it has made grants of over $1.7 million to the charity. Visit www.ntsusa.org for additional information.
|
