Ticket sales & the PA

Since I last wrote I have been busy promoting my ceilidh, sending articles to local newspapers, replacing posters that have been hidden or ripped down, emailing friends and family & generally encouraging anyone I meet to buy a ticket! Interest has been good but thus far it’s proving difficult to secure definite yeses and payment from people! As I have deposits to pay for the food and entertainment I really need money to be coming in to cover my costs, I also need an idea of numbers in order to plan my catering! I am beginning to realise how much work goes into throwing a proper party, especially when you are trying to make a profit!

Speaking of local newspapers I received an email yestreday from an employee at the Scottish Society for Autism complementing the coverage of my challenge in the latest edition of the Perthshire Advertiser. Although I had written to the editor I was not aware that anything had gone to print and so I raced out to buy a copy today. Thankfully one of the local newsagents still had a copy of Tuesday's paper and I eagerly tore through the pages to find my article on page 6. What I was not expecting was to see a picture of myself staring back at me! It was quite surreal but hopefully it will give the piece a more human touch. I guess the editor took my pic from my justgiving page, cheeky cheeky! The article is entitled "CHARITY CHALLENGE BRINGS ON THE WALL" and I am quite happy with it although it doesn't give the reader any insight into what autism actually is which is a shame because one of my main goals is to raise awareness. Still I am delighted that my story went to print and I do understand that there are limits on word counts and available space.

Considering the effort I went to convince local businesses to donate raffle prizes I am thrilled that this has paid off and I have some very attractive prizes up for grabs. Recently I have also received

- a family pass for Deep Sea World www.deepseaworld.com

- a family pass for Blair Drummond’s Safari Park www.blairdrummond.com

- 2 family passes for Loch Leven Leisure Pool www.liveactive.co.uk

- A day trip for two round the Highlands with Rabbie's Trail Burners www.rabbies.com

As mentioned in an earlier entry I had hoped to split the prizes between two raffles, one on the 4th July and one at my ceilidh on the 25th. Unfortunately I got a bad chest infection and was unable to attend my work night out so had to cancel my raffle at the last minute. I will keep the prizes I had planned for the time being and will arrange another event in later in the summer.