Forres bar and restaurant Bonnie Beastie to host event to raise funds for mental health charity Mikeysline
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A FORRES bar and restaurant is set to shine a spotlight on mental health at a fundraising event.
The Bonnie Beastie will raise money for Mikeysline with its Food For Thought evening, set to take place in the bar-restaurant on Thursday, June 8.
Mental health charity Mikeysline was formed in Inverness after Highland men Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson took their own lives within 48 hours of each other in 2015.
Bonnie Beastie owner Kevin Smith was touched by Mikeysline's story and, with the charity expanding into Moray, was keen to help in any way possible.
"We were at an event last year when we met Emily Stokes, the CEO of Mikeysline, who told us all about the work they do," Kevin explained. "I was overwhelmed by what they achieve in such a small team.
"We are all a bit more aware of our mental health these days. In the hospitality industry we work with a lot of young people so it's always on my mind to make sure people aren't working long hours, have good conditions and just generally making sure people are OK."
On the night itself, Kevin added: "Quite often at these events, people will sit in their own groups – and we all enjoy sitting with people we know – but we thought it'd be nice to meet new people at a larger table with sharing plates.
"We are really looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces. Push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit, hear others' stories, tell your own, and enjoy food and drink together while raising a bit of money for Mikeysline."
The event, which is £55 per person, is a 7pm arrival on June 8, with 44 places available. There will be sharing platters, with cocktail trees containing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
After the food, there will be an auction with scores of prizes from local businesses in Moray.
As a minimum, 50 per cent of proceeds from the night will go directly to Mikeysline, who will also have representatives at the event to talk about the charity's work.
"We are only covering our costs for the food," Kevin added. "The rest will go to Mikeysline, with the team working for free as a form of donation."
To book a seat, get in touch with josie@speylife.co.uk.
