Edinburgh fundraiser for Dr Graham's Homes ~ Dr Graham’s Homes UK

Are you anywhere near Edinburgh on Thursday 15 May?

Fancy joining an evening of live music and cutting-edge art - while also doing your bit for Dr Graham's Homes?

DGHUK supporter Tom Traube is organising a fundraising night at Edinburgh University's Arts Campus. The Dr Graham's Homes Art and Music Fundraiser is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the Homes and get people talking about the work we do with sponsored children.

There will be live music from an up-and-coming band, artwork from the latest generation of Edinburgh art students, and even a raffle with some great prizes and goodie bags, kindly donated by businesses around Edinburgh. All proceeds from the night go to DGHUK.

Tickets are £5 - or £7.50 with a raffle ticket - and the evening runs from 7-11pm.

We asked Tom to tell us more...

What's happening on the night, Tom?

The event is happening at The Wee Red Bar on the Edinburgh University Arts Campus [74 Lauriston Place Edinburgh, EH3 9DF]. It will be an evening of art and music, with student artwork on display and a live performance by the band Cadence, who are also students. We will also be holding a raffle with some amazing prizes and all the money raised will go to Dr Graham’s Homes.

And what can you tell us about the live band?

They're a duo called Cadence, made up of music students from Edinburgh University. Ciara Farrelly is the lead singer and Ruairidh Nicolson is on keys. They play a mix of genres but mainly focus on soul and blues. They are incredibly talented and it felt like a perfect chance to highlight some of the creative talent within the student community. [Ed: You can watch Ciara and Ruairidh perform their debut song on this YouTube link]

How did you first hear about Dr Graham's Homes?

I first heard about Dr Graham’s Homes through my godmother Amanda [the DGHUK Events Secretary], as she and her family have been involved with the charity for a long time. We were talking about how to bring more awareness to the cause and I thought hosting a fundraiser at the university would be a great way to do that. It will not only bring more visibility to the charity but also help students at a Scottish university to get involved with a Scottish charity. I also believe that, as students who have benefited from access to education, we have a responsibility to help others access those same opportunities.

Why do you think the Homes is so special?

Dr Graham’s Homes is a special cause because it is providing opportunities for learning and shelter that many would otherwise not have. Education is fundamental and in my opinion a basic human right. It is something I feel we should all support, especially those of us who have never had to question our access to it.

What are you most looking forward to and what is your biggest hope for the event?

I am really looking forward to seeing how the night goes and just watching people enjoy themselves. The music is going to be great and I am excited to see Dr Graham’s Homes get more visibility. My biggest hope is that people leave feeling more connected to the cause and that this could be the first of many events like it in the future.