BEN Scotland Ball ‘a great success’

Automotive industry charity BEN is celebrating the success of its 16th BEN Scotland Ball, held at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow, which raised a total of £8,900 on the night.

Manufacturers, retail outlets, finance houses, media and aftermarket were all represented, collectively increasing donations over 2013 and demonstrating the fantastic support BEN enjoys in Scotland.

Guests were treated to a truly memorable evening leading off with a superb four-course dinner featuring, naturally, the traditional ‘haggis with neeps ‘n’ tatties’, entertainment from Electric Dreams, the legendary 80s tribute band before dancing the night away to sounds of the Jmack, a group with the talent to get anyone on the dance floor.

The evening was also notable for a very special ‘human’ Auction Lot. Soprano Nicola Cassells, who also performed on the night, donated herself for a private performance for any occasion! Nicola has performed in an array of masterpieces such as ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and was nominated for Awards in the Scottish Variety Awards 2013.

Douglas Robertson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, commented: “It’s an exciting time for the Scottish Motor Industry as new car sales growth reaches record levels. The air of optimism amongst guests at the Crowne Plaza was very apparent and yet we still have to remind ourselves that there will always be those involved in our industry for whom things are not going so well on a personal basis.

This is why the funds raised by us at the BEN Scotland Ball are so important because being there to support our colleagues in their time of need is imperative. On behalf of BEN and the SMTA I would like to thanks all those who attended and contributed to the evening’s fund-raising and enjoyment. Come back next year and tell your friends!”