A world exclusive print of a never before published photograph of the Beatles, taken during the height of their fame during the filming of Help! in the 1960s, is the star lot in a unique online TICR charity auction. www.ticrappeal.co.uk is offering the opportunity for the highest bidder to be the first private owner of one of the intimate and exclusive photographs from the Michael Peto collection, uncovered in the University of Dundee's archives at the end of last year.
The online auction site, developed exclusively for TICR, will run until midday 26 September and will help raise funds for the Institute for Cardiovascular Research (TICR).
The BBC's World Affairs Editor and honorary graduate of the University of Dundee, John Simpson, will announce the name of the lucky bidder at the TICR charity Samurai Ball on Saturday 27 September in Dundee's Apex Hotel.
In addition to the unique Beatles print, the online auction site is also offering the chance to bid and get a bargain for a range of other exciting opportunities including the following:
Fundraising for the new flagship institute has already crossed the halfway point having raised £1.6 million. The TICR online auction in tandem with the TICR Big City Challenge (September 20) and the TICR Samurai Ball will contribute to the remaining £1.5m to complete the Institute.
The Apex City Quay Hotel will play host to the 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 28 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 at just £40. Generous in-kind sponsorship has been secured from, Norman Springford, chairman of Apex Hotels and Sainsbury's.
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. I hope that the local community and local businesses will generously support our ball which I am confident will be a thoroughly enjoyable evening".
Anyone wishing to enquire about sponsorship opportunities should call Joan Concannon, at the University on 01382 345565. Tickets are available on 01382 344564