Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala at Tynecastle on Saturday 9 September.
The Big Hearts Gala is one of the biggest fundraising events in the charity’s calendar, and this year they have raised more than ever before, with all money going towards helping them to support people in their community.
The amount raised at this year’s Gala is double the amount of than last year.
Guests at the glittering event got a valuable insight into Big Hearts’ vital work across the community.
They learned about the That’s Me! group, which aims to make a positive impact on teenagers and young adults, aged 12 to 18, who could benefit from wellbeing support.
On top of this, guests were in the presence of legends as Paul Hartley, Darren Barr and Mark de Vries were all present in the Gorgie Suite as guest speakers.
The Big Hearts Gala is a celebration of the power of the club’s badge in changing lives in communities across south west Edinburgh.
As well as the funds raised from over 250 tickets sold, there were live and silent auctions, in which signed Hearts shirts, golf days and hotel stays were auctioned.
Craig Wilson, CEO at Big Hearts, said: “We are over the moon to have raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala this year.
“It is one of our biggest fundraising efforts and I’m grateful to everyone who bought tickets and took part in our auctions.
“The money raised will go a long way in our mission to help improve the lives of people in our community.”
Fans at the Gala were delighted to meet three Hearts legends. Brian Chapman shared shared his excitement after hearing some of their stories.
“I am too young to have seen Mark de Vries play, but I was lucky enough to see Paul Hartley play. It was a really good moment to get a picture with him and actually see him in-front of my own eyes.
“I took part in the Hampden to Tynecastle charity walk and, along with three friends, raised £2500 for Big Hearts. I am here tonight to continue to show support after that.
“The charity does a lot of good work, and as we’ve heard tonight, poverty in Gorgie is among the highest in Edinburgh.”
Mark de Vries is fondly remembered by Hearts fans for his four goals on his debut against Hibs. He was glad to be back in Gorgie.
“It has been great to be back in Edinburgh and back at Tynecastle” he said.
“I loved my time here, so it has been an honour to come back as a guest of Big Hearts.
“I have been made to feel so welcome and it has been amazing to learn about the work of Big Hearts.”
Big Hearts is the only non-profit organisation based at the home of Heart of Midlothian FC.
The charity delivers free activities for adults and children to improve outcomes around mental health, social isolation and promote equal opportunities.
It costs Big Hearts over £600,000 each year to build and deliver programmes and services to the communities living in the surroundings of Tynecastle Park, one of the most disadvantaged wards of Edinburgh.
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