OYSTER FESTIVAL OFFERS CHANCE TO SHELL OUT FOR SAM
CONTINUING an exciting year for local charity 'Struggle Against Muscular dystrophy', organisers of the upcoming Hillsborough Oyster Festival are again feeding funds into SAM's coffers.
Last year saw SAM - named for Hillsborough lad Sam McCausland, who suffers from the congenital form of the progressive and ultimately fatal muscle-wasting disease - declared the chosen charity for the 17th annual oyster festival in the village.
And Sam's mum Tracey, one of the charity's founders, said this week they were pleased that the event organisers had again offered them the opportunity to benefit from raffles, auctions and collections at the various events on the programme.
Having raised more than 150,000 in its first year, SAM followed up on the fantastic fundraising success of 2009 by this year kicking off four international research projects in the hope of drawing closer to an effective treatment for Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.
In March, The Emerald Ball alone raised a massive 86,000, money already put to work in funding the development of promising drug candidate, Laminin 111.
"SAM is a zero-cost charity," said Tracey. "No money is taken from donations to cover overheads or administration costs, meaning that every penny of every pound can be used exactly as it was intended, to help us find a cure for this devastating muscle wasting disease."
This year's Hillsborough Oyster Festival gets underway on Thursday 2 September with the VIVA LA GLAM Fashion Show; billed as the ultimate ladies' night out, the show will feature fashion from Candy Plum, Una Rodden, Wish Bridal, Grainne Maher Millinery and Angelo Designer Handbags.
SAM will benefit from the proceeds of a raffle with top prizes up for grabs; tickets can be purchased online or from Candy Plum boutique in Hillsborough.
A new event on the line-up this year is the Iron Oyster Challenge at the forest park and lake on Thursday evening.
"If you're fit, up for a challenge and want to raise a few pounds for SAM, please go to the website for more information and an entry form," said Tracey.
Friday evening sees the festival Gala Ball, this year with a Las Vegas theme. Tickets can be purchased by following links from the Oyster Festival website.
Again, SAM will benefit from a collection on the evening and the charity auction.
Saturday's events include a Soapbox Derby (1-3pm), the World Oyster-Eating Championship and live entertainment from Citybeat throughout the day, with Tracey urging festival-goers to bring a few extra coins to throw into the SAM collection buckets.
The festival's live event this year features Lady GaGa and Pink tribute acts as well as a BBQ in the festival marquee - 8pm 'til late.
Super Dreamcar Sunday follows on September 5, with all proceeds going to SAM; last year's event raised more than 5,000.
"If you'd like to have a ride in a Lambo, Ferrari, Porsche, or basically anything that goes fast, come along for a great afternoon," urged Tracey.
More information on all of the Oyster Festival events can be found at www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.
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Weather for Dromore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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