Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company within Sodexo Live! recently supported an unforgettable evening at Edinburgh’s Mansfield Traquair, where the Benedetti Foundation raised an impressive £88,555 during a special charity auction and gala dinner.
Held on 29th October, the evening combined exquisite food, exceptional music and generous giving to support the Benedetti Foundation’s mission to bring the transformative power of music to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Mansfield Traquair, often referred to as ‘Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel’ for its spectacular murals, provided the perfect setting for this celebration of music, education and philanthropy. The historic venue, located in the heart of the city, offered a magnificent backdrop for the Foundation to share its work, achievements and ambitions with friends, supporters and guests.
Guests were treated to performances from Nicola Benedetti and the musicians currently touring with her, including Plínio Fernandes on guitar, Samuele Telari on accordion and Max Calver on cello. Andrea Gajic, one of the Benedetti Foundation’s Tutors also joined her on violin. Foundation Tutors and Ambassadors then joined Nicola onstage to showcase some of the talented musicians the Foundation supports.
Heritage Portfolio curated an elegant dinner menu showcasing the best of Scottish cuisine, featuring a starter of celeriac and turmeric velouté with a Mull cheddar crouté and rosemary oil.
The main course was roast loin of Highland venison with dauphinoise, candied red cabbage, broccoli and port wine jus. Dessert was an apple crumble and filo tart with cinnamon gel and clotted cream ice cream.
A total of 106 guests attended the gala, with the auction led by Helena Newman, Chairman of both Sotheby’s Europe and Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide, whose expertise and enthusiasm helped to make the evening a great success.
The highest bid of the night was for a three-night exclusive stay at Château de Pont Bourguet for up to twelve guests, which achieved a hammer price of £9,000.
Heritage Portfolio contributed to the fundraising by donating a Champagne Afternoon Tea for two at the Signet Library’s Colonnades, offering a chance to enjoy handcrafted sweet and savoury creations in one of Edinburgh’s most elegant settings.
Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio, said: “Supporting the Benedetti Foundation with this fundraising gala was an opportunity to engage with a wonderful charity, and we were proud to host them within the beautiful space of the Mansfield Traquair.
“Heritage Portfolio created a menu that reflected the quality and creativity of the evening, delivering a dining experience worthy of such an inspiring cause in one of Edinburgh’s most breathtaking venues.”
Paul Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive, The Benedetti Foundation said: “Mansfield Traquair was the perfect venue for our fundraising gala. The venue’s beauty, atmosphere and remarkable acoustics made it an ideal space for live performance and celebration.
“Every detail ran so smoothly thanks to the professionalism of the Heritage Portfolio team, allowing us to focus on sharing our mission and connecting with guests in a truly special setting.”
Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live!, is a leading provider of private and corporate hospitality for cultural destinations. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates.
In Scotland, partners include Musselburgh Racecourse, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Galleries Scotland, V&A Dundee and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
For more information see www.heritageportfolio.co.uk