Member Article

Tait Walker gets arty for charity

A SELECTION of the region’s most talented artists and photographers are set to join forces this month, in a bid to raise money for Tiny Lives, the children’s charitable fund managed by the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

For one night only on Thursday 26thApril, the Tait Walker art exhibition, which is to be held on behalf of Tiny Lives, will open its doors at The Great North Museum.

With over 20 exhibitors set to include the likes of well known artists Alan Reed, Daisy Haggerty and Helen Karrigan, attendees will have the chance to purchase some of the works of art throughout the evening, as well as take part in a silent auction which will be held for selected pieces.

As well as complementary drinks and nibbles, guests will also be given the chance to experience the talents of a caricaturist who will be on hand drawing personal mementos throughout the evening.

All proceeds from the night, including a percentage of picture sales, will go to Tiny Lives which is based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne and is dedicated to saving the lives of premature or ill newborn babies in the North East and Cumbria.

Forming part of Tait Walker’s 75th year fundraising calendar, the art exhibition should prove to be a trip down memory lane for local artist Alan Reed, whose work will be on show at the Tait Walker and Tiny Lives art exhibition.

Alan, who lives and works in Ponteland said: “I was one of the original members of the design team at the Hancock Museum and during my time there I worked on displays such as the backdrop to Abel’s Ark, which some would say was one of the museum’s most iconic pieces.

“I’m thrilled to going back there to help support what is such a worthwhile cause.”

Martin Ward Platt, Consultant Paediatrician and Chair of the Tiny Lives committee said: “Each year 600 premature or ill babies are born across the North East and North Cumbria requiring specialised and intensive care.

“Nursing and medical care on the ward demands particular skills and it’s essential that staff keep up to date with the latest advances to facilitate this kind of need.

“It is via charitable events such as this that we are able to help fund the cost of care treatments for premature and ill newborn babies and the families in the Special Care Baby Unit.

“We are extremely grateful to Tait Walker for their support and to the talented artists and photographers who are helping shape what will be a great night out.”

Tait Walker’s managing partner David Arthur said: “There are many dimensions to the art exhibition, not just the showcasing of some terrific works of art, but also highlighting the admirable work which the Tiny Lives fund does.

“It is thanks to the North East community that Tait Walker has been able to reach its 75thyear in business, so it’s great to be able to give something back to the region which has served the firm so well over the past seven decades.”

Tiny Lives is one of many regional charitable funds which is being supported by employees at Tait Walker, who are aiming to raise £75,000 by the end of 2012.

Tickets for the exhibition are £10 each and doors will open at 7pm with complementary drinks and nibbles provided on arrival.

To enquire about the event or make a booking call 0191 285 0321 or alternatively donations can be made via a dedicated Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/TWArt-in-April.

ENDS

Tait Walker:

• Established in 1937, Tait Walker is one of the largest independent accountancy practices in the region, employing 130 staff across three offices in Newcastle, Tees Valley and Morpeth.
• The firm is celebrating its 75thAnniversary in 2012 and has pledged to raise £75,000 for local charities.
• For further information call Kirsty Ramsey 0191 2850321.

Tiny Lives:

• Tiny Lives, the Neonatal Service at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne looks after newborn babies from all over the North of England.
• Caring for approximately 600 newborn babies every year.
• Administered by the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumbria. Registered Charity Number: 700510
• For further information call 0191 222 0945 or email tinylives@communityfoundation.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Frances Winn .