Matthew & Neil's Stand-Up Challenge Raises £10K
/Matthew Quinn (pictured above) is a great friend of the JTYAF and has recently displayed great courage by organising a Black Tie Charity Dinner with two top comedians.
One of the comedians was Matthew, the other his friend Neil Sutherland! No-one could possibly underestimate the amount of courage required to stand up in front of 180 people and attempt to make them laugh. The event was called 'Comeuppance' because that was what the guys thought it would be - their Comeuppance. That couldn't have been further from the truth.
The Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club was the perfect venue and Matthew the Haddington Ha Ha and Neil Wonky Donkey Sutherland (pictured left) put on an exceptional performance which captivated the audience. They expected a bit of heckling but as both acts were incredibly professional, the applause and laughter said it all. The entertainment was excellent with Matthew, Neil, contact jugglers, dancing, a fantastic raffle, an auction, delicious food and wine and above all wonderful guests.
Linda and Pete Thornton were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the guests and the warmth of the welcome that they received. Linda commented "We were so touched by the kindness of so many people especially as we were so far away from home. The JTYAF has certainly been taken to the hearts of many of the guests here tonight."
It wasn't all about the JTYAF however and a cause very close to Neil Sutherland's heart is Maggies Centres,who provide support all over the UK for anyone affected by cancer. So the evening supported two great causes and combined with Matthew's tireless efforts with on-line fundraising the final figure is expected to reach £10,000!
The JTYAF would like to convey their thanks to Matthew and Wendy Quinn and Neil and Lisa Sutherland for organising this brilliant event. It really was first class! Thank you also to the Maggies Centres volunteers, the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club and to the businesses and supporters who were so generous with prizes and donations. The huge amount raised is going to make a real difference to many cancer sufferers all over the UK and a big difference to many young people who have an ambition that they dream of following....