A CHARITY ball to celebrate 125 years of the 2nd Gourock Boys' Brigade raised an incredible £38,000 thanks to a big-hearted donor.
Former member Kirk Beaton, an investment banker, pitched in to help three chosen charities close to the hearts of the company.
He pledged sponsorship and then matched the overall amount raised by everyone for Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity and the Alzheimer Scotland Centre in Nicol Street.
Gourock man Kirk linked up with his former captain Alan Aitken MBE, who has served in that role for 40 years, at the event to say thank you for all the boys brigade family has given him.
Skipper Alan MBE said: "We wanted to make the final event of our 125th anniversary year a truly memorable one and thanks to everyone who supported the Ball this was spectacularly achieved.
"The incredible support we got from old boy Kirk Beaton as our main sponsor along with so many other local businesses and individuals ensured the event was successful beyond our wildest dreams.
"As a result our chosen charities, all of whom have a personal connection with the company past and present, will benefit handsomely.”
A total of 220 guests attended the ball in Greenock Town Hall, hosted by well known Scottish compère Des McKeown.
Generous international financier Kirk has previously donated generously to his home town, supporting the Inverclyde Royal and Ardgowan Hospice.
Alan said: "The Boys' Brigade never leaves you, it is like a family and you make friends for life.
"Kirk now lives in Monaco but he's always remained close to his home town.
"I was his captain in the BB and he got in touch with me and told me wanted to help.
The charity ball for the Boys' Brigade company based in St John's Gourock brings to the end the celebrations for the anniversary year.
On the night the guests were serenaded at the drinks reception by the Stedfast Silver Band .
Compère Des introduced top table guests and the minister at St John’s Church and company chaplain Rev Teri Peterson said grace before guests were treated to a wonderful meal served By First Choice Catering.
There was then a raffle and live auction with wonderful prizes snapped up by enthusiastic bidders led by compère Des.
Guests were entertained by the music of Revel Sparks in their last ever gig together, with coaches laid on at the end of the night to take guests home.
The 2nd would like to thank everyone who helped make the event such a success.
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