Mastermind event raises over £20,000 for Playlist for Life
The original black chair from legendary BBC quiz show Mastermind was centre stage in Dunfermline last month for a night of interrogative quizzing and fundraising all in the name of Playlist for Life.
Playlist for Life founder and honorary president Sally Magnusson inherited the Mastermind chair from her late father, Magnus Magnusson, who presented the hit BBC quiz show for 25 years.
And on Saturday 23rd March, the chair came to Dunfermline for ‘Mastermind in the Park’: a quiz night and dinner to raise funds for people affected by dementia. The event was organised by Playlist for Life trustee Fiona Haro and longstanding supporter Angus Hogg. An incredible total of £23,500 was raised on the night. Funds will be used by Playlist for Life to share the power of personally meaningful music with people living with dementia.
Hosted by writer and journalist Paul English, the quizzed celebrity guests were writer Val McDermid, weather forecaster Judith Ralston, TV presenter JJ Chalmers and broadcaster Martin Geissler. Sally Magnusson took on the role of quizmaster, with a few obligatory ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish’ catchphrases throughout the evening.
Val McDermid took top place on the night, making her a two-time Mastermind champion, after winning the 2012/13 Celebrity version. Val also donated an exciting prize to the event auction: the naming rights to a character in her next Karen Pirie crime novel.
Michael Timmons, Executive Director of Playlist for Life, said:
“It was such a fantastic event which raised crucial funds for Playlist for Life thanks to the incredible generosity of the sponsors, businesses and individuals attending. The event was made extra special by the wonderful contestants who gave up their time to put their general knowledge to the test— in front of a room full of over 200 people!
“Fundraising is essential to ensure we can continue to support any person living with dementia and their family through the power of personally meaningful music. We offer free resources and support to families and support over 2,500 community organisations who work directly with people living with dementia.
“We rely on the generosity of trusts and foundations, businesses and donations from the public to keep our vital support free to anyone who could benefit. It’s amazing to see so much money raised from an event that was enjoyed by all. Thank you to Fiona Haro, Angus Hogg and family for organising. And to our wonderful volunteer Liz Wilson, and all who volunteered their time for the event.”
Fiona Haro, one of the event organisers and trustee at Playlist for Life, said:
“I’m delighted that the event was enjoyed by all and that we are able to present £23,500 to Playlist for Life. As a trustee of the charity, I see the impact meaningful music has on people living with dementia, and also how vital fundraising is to ensure more people can be supported.”
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The video below captures some of the magic of Mastermind in the Park.
