BBC Broadcaster and University of Dundee honorary graduate John Simpson will be one of the guests of honour at a unique fundraising event in Dundee on 27th September to raise funds for the flagship Institute for Cardiovascular Research (TICR).
The Apex City Quay Hotel will play host to the TICR Samurai Ball, a prestigious black tie event aiming to raise substantial funds for the creation of a centre for excellence to treat and prevent heart-related illnesses such as heart attack, stroke and arterial disease. The Ball will be the final event in the TICR Healthy Heart Week on the eve of World Healthy Heart Day on 28th September.
The theme was chosen to reflect Japan's very low incidence of heart disease and to complement the minimalist, Japanese-inspired interior of the Apex Hotel at City Quay.
Apex staff are aiming to provide a Scottish influenced Japanese evening. Apex bar staff will create a special 'TICR Samurai Cocktail' and award-winning Apex chef, Bruce Price, is creating a delicious three course meal (with wine) combining the best of Scottish produce with a Japanese fusion influence.
Dundee's favourite music maker Dougie Martin will provide the evening's entertainment. In addition, guests will be invited to sample the delights of roulette and blackjack in the specially commissioned charity casino. A prize will be presented for the largest amount of 'fake' money won during the evening.
Tickets are now on sale and represent tremendous value at just £40. Generous in-kind sponsorship has been secured from, Norman Springford, chairman of Apex Hotels and Sainsbury's. Organisers are still seeking one further sponsor for this prestigious event in order to ensure that all proceeds from the evening are donated to TICR.
Organising committee ball chairman, Ken O'Brien said, "We are delighted and honoured that John Simpson has agreed to attend the Samurai Ball and host the auction. I am sure that the ball will be a unique occasion and help us raise much-needed money for the TICR campaign. Anyone wishing to enquire about sponsorship opportunities or donate auction prizes should call Joan Concannon, Director of External Relations at the University on 01382 345 565. I hope that the local community and local businesses will generously support our ball which I am confident will be a thoroughly enjoyable evening".
Tickets are available on 01382 345 564
By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk