Tbilisi hosts 2nd Gala Benefit Burns Supper & Ball

Following the success of last year’s Burns Supper, Tbilisi will once again commemorate the birth of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns with its very own Charity Gala Burns Supper and Ball on Saturday 29th January 2011 at the Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel.

This Black-tie event will feature a welcome drinks reception; a 5-course traditional gourmet dinner with whisky and wine; a Scottish kilted bagpiper flying in from Scotland especially to pipe in the ceremonial haggis; Burns Poetry and traditional toasts; dancing to live music from the Glencraig Scottish Dance Band, sponsored by KPMG and flown in courtesy of bmi from Bonnie Scotland; a live auction of art and other unique and interesting lots and a Grand Raffle Draw with the chance to win many prizes including a business class ticket to London generously donated by bmi.

Last year the Burns Supper raised approximately $10,000 for charities here in Georgia. With the help of our generous donors and sponsors, some of which include KPMG, Betsy’s Hotel, Hotel Tetnuldi in Svaneti, IMSS, Baan Thai Cuisine, the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, the Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, the Tbilisi Marriott hotel, Kindzmarauli Marani Wines, Dutch Design Garden, The Messenger, the British Ambassador, Ms. Judith Gough and bmi, it is hoped that the 2011 event can raise even more money for the beneficiaries.

Funds raised from this year’s Burns Supper and Ball event will support three charitable projects here in Georgia: The Roddy Scott Foundation helping disadvantaged children in the remote Pankisi region; Tbilisi International Women’s Association, supporting various charitable projects in Georgia including AISI - ‘Sunrise’ in providing vocational training to help integrate mentally disabled youngsters into society; and Dog Shelter Georgia in addressing the street dog problem by building a shelter for sick or injured stray dogs, sterilisation, immunisation and adoption programmes.

Thanks to the generosity of the management at the Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, Scottish dancing practices for the Burns Supper are being held in the Piano Lounge on the 10th floor – the next will be on Wednesday 26th January. These optional practices are just for fun and will hopefully add to the enjoyment of the evening itself. No former experience is necessary, there is no charge and you are welcome to come to either or both of the sessions (or none at all) to learn or brush up your 'Gay Gordons,' 'Dashing White Sergeant,' 'Virginia Reel,' 'Strip the Willow,' etc. Comfortable shoes are advised. The dance practices are a good opportunity to reserve and /or pay for tickets.

Robbie Burns loved life, poetry, music and friends. While you may not be familiar with many of his poems, you will no doubt recognise his well-known tune sung around the world on New Year’s Eve - Auld Lang Syne. So banish those post-holiday winter blues and join us for an evening of good food, good wine and good spirit among friends, while at the same time helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

Tickets are fully inclusive of the meal, wine, whisky, soft drinks and of course dancing until the wee hours and can be purchased for $100 (or equivalent in Lari), while a table for 10 guests costs $950; a number of companies and organisations have already purchased corporate tables for the event, however there are still a few available.

And for those wishing to avoid driving or finding a taxi, why not treat yourself to a stay in the Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel? For Burns Supper guests the hotel is offering great rates for the night of 29th January - a double room for just USD125 or a single room for USD105 (both rates include breakfast, but exclude VAT).

For tickets or further information about the event or corporate sponsorship please contact Fiona Coxshall fionacoxshall@yahoo.com ; 891 67 06 33 or Andrea Keerbs andreakeerbs@hotmail.com ; 895 21 60 67.