Digby Brown raises £59,000 thanks to return of Winter Dinner Dance

Digby Brown helped raise a massive £59,000 for spinal injury survivors thanks to the return of the Winter Dinner Dance.

After being cancelled last year, for obvious reasons, it made a glittering return last week in recognition of Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) and its volunteers.

More than 320 people came to the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow and for many it was their first social function since the start of COVID.

Guests were treated to the shenanigans expected from regular host and top DJ Des Clarke as well as guest speakers, a live band, prizes and more.

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Chris Stewart, Partner at Digby Brown and Head of the Serious Injury department, said: “It was genuinely amazing to be at the dinner – not just to reconnect with friends and colleagues but to finally be back in a position to be able to give back and help.

“As we all know the last 18 months put all charities under immense pressure. How do they deliver hands-on support when they aren’t allowed to meet people? Arguably, more importantly, these type of events are the life blood of their income, so how can they survive if they can’t fundraise?

“But the reality was even starker – COVID didn’t stop people suffering spinal cord injuries so Spinal Injuries Scotland wouldn’t stop helping either.

“This is why the Winter Dinner Dance matters. Sponsors, those that bought tables and every guest who purchased a prize draw ticket or made a donation, helps SIS help others.

“I’d therefore like to thank everyone who came along and supported on the night. We look forward to seeing you again soon.”

Guest speakers on the night included SIS Operations Manager Maureen Morrison and SIS Ambassador Joanna Martin who were delighted to welcome everyone back.

There was also a live band with dancing, an auction which raised over £10,000, a tombola, casino room and a prize draw with a massive £5,000 holiday voucher.

Digby Brown worked alongside Doubletree by Hilton and event contractors to ensure safety guidelines were followed.

A slightly smaller head count helped accommodate social distancing needs of the venue whose management also installed air cleansers and humidifiers as well as sanitising stations.

The firm also opted to not issue gift bags this year to help reduce touch points – not just from the process of creating them but from the additional contacts that comes from people swapping or sharing goods.

Annmarie Rocks, Charity Development Manager at Digby Brown, added: “Simply put, it was critical for the charity that the event went ahead this year.

“It mattered that the return of this year’s event was the kind that guests would enjoy and more importantly would raise significant funds for the charities ongoing work.

“£59,000 is way beyond what we hoped the dinner would raise and helped, if needed, any justification on whether the event should take place at all.

“Thank you to everyone behind the scenes who helped make it possible and to everyone who came because it’s the people that help make the Winter Dinner Dance one of the best social events in the Scottish charity calendar.”