Organise your own event

Organising an event in aid of St Columba’s Hospice is a rewarding way to have a great time! You could hold a pub quiz, a comedy night, a ceilidh, a film night or a fancy dress party. Read about Sarah's wedding themed event, 250 Dresses.

Case study: 250 Dresses

Sarah Broadley became a fundraiser for St Columba's Hospice after her Mum was a patient in 2006. She decided that she wanted to do something to help the place that had cared for her family through such a difficult time.

Like many brides, Sarah was desperate for a chance to wear her wedding dress again, which inspired her to throw an event where guests could do just that. Thus, 250 Dresses was born, giving guests the unique opportunity to wear their wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, or a special party frock once again. The response was amazing, and guests partied the night away with wedding-themed dancing and games. There was even a lucky draw prize for guests to enter their favourite 'first wedding dance' song.

Sarah is throwing another 250 Dresses event this year on 18 June 2010 at the Edinburgh Masonic Club, Leith Walk. Everyone is welcome (over 18s only), and men should not be deterred - many men came in their kilts last year! Tickets are £5 and can be purchased by emailing Sarah.

There will be a special silent auction and raffle at this year's event, with prizes including a framed signed shirt by Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, a signed rugby shirt by Gavin Hastings, and a four-ball round of golf at Ravelston Golf Club, with many more prizes to follow.

Sarah says about St Columba's Hospice:

"Every time I visit the hospice now it reminds me of the peace that my mum finally achieved when her illness was at its worst. The staff and all the volunteers there are amazing people and all credit goes to them. Whether it be the calming influence of the nurses, the welcoming face at reception, the cup of tea with a smile from the cafe, the arranged flower's by the bed side, any and all of these small things make such a difference to the patients and their families.

I was one of many people who never really knew about the Hospice until our family needed it most and then it became our safe-haven, our glimmer of hope and a final resting place. I am proud to say I am a fundraiser for the hospice. It's a bit like being a gardener, you just need to plant the seed and watch it grow. If I can convince someone to rethink what they do with the change they are given when out shopping, where they can recycle their unwanted items instead of throwing them away then I will have made a difference and helped make every minute count."