An art sale has raised a “dream” six-figure sum to support the work of a cancer support unit in Aberdeen.
Works by several well-known artists were among those snapped up in aid of the city’s Maggie’s Centre – for a grand total of more than £170,000.
And with gallery fees avoided and the costs of showing the pieces at a Granite City hotel covered, that meant just over £100,000 in profits for the cause.
The two-day, pop-up Art Extravaganza at the Chester Hotel was the brainchild of senior Wood group executive Tony Dinozzi and property consultant and publican David Reid.
The fellow art-lovers worked to bring together more than 100 works priced from £50 to £15,000 by local and national artists – some of who had never exhibited in the city before.
The centre is located in the grounds of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and provides practical, emotional and social support to people who have been diagnosed with cancer, their family and friends.
It was built three years ago thanks to a huge fundraising drive supported by Press and Journal readers and firms such as Wood Group.
Mr Dinozzi said: “David and I were really moved by the incredible work carried out at Maggie’s and that was the catalyst to us working together to bring this Art Extravaganza to Aberdeen.
“It was a fantastic event, with hundreds of people coming through the door to view the work and buy some unique pieces. We’re delighted it’s raised such an amazing total for the charity.”
Mr Reid said: “We knew we had some great pieces of art available at the event but raising more than £100,000 in the current economic climate is a dream.
“It was such an uplifting event and the feedback from everyone who attended was incredible.
“The fact that we’ve been able to help a charity as worthy as Maggie’s Aberdeen is just fantastic.”
Paula Cormack, fundraising manager for Maggie’s Aberdeen, said: “This has been a very challenging year for many in the north-east and Maggie’s has been no exception.
“This is an incredible boost to the funds we need to continue delivering support to people with cancer.”
To find out more about Maggie’s Aberdeen, get in touch on 01224 645928 or at aberdeen@maggiescentres.org.