In what must be a first in charitable donations, Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart is to give two guests – and 50 friends – exclusive use of his Edinburgh brasserie “The Honours” if they are the successful bidders for a unique auction lot in aid of the Muir Maxwell Trust, the UK’s foremost charity for paediatric epilepsy.
“A private dinner for two people and fifty guests at Martin Wishart’s The Honours” is Silent Auction Lot 1 at an “Art and Opera” dinner being held in Middle Temple, London on 21st March 2013 to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Trust. Whilst the dinner has sold out, bidding is now open online for Lot 1 even if bidders are not attending the dinner.
Martin Wishart and his wife Cecile have donated sole use of their restaurant for a night and will provide a spectacular champagne reception (including canapés) followed by a fabulous five course set menu. Wines will be provided by award-winning wine merchant, Zubair Mohamed of Raeburn Fine Wines, and guests will be entertained by Todd Gordon, one of Britain’s most popular jazz singers and entertainers.
The Muir Maxwell Trust (MMT) was started by Ann and Jonny Maxwell in 2003 after their son Muir was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy in infancy. Ann was recently awarded the Tesco Charity Mum of the Year 2013 for her relentless fundraising efforts on behalf of the Trust, despite being diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour in 2006.
Speaking as the auction went live online, Ann gave the Trust’s reaction to the Wisharts’ donation, saying:
“It is impossible to fully describe how we feel about Martin and Cecile donating The Honours to the auction. It is truly an act of overwhelming generosity. They have been major supporters of the Trust over the last 10 years and have regularly given us signature auction lots. But this surpasses everything.
“The Honours is such a popular restaurant, renowned for its first-class food, ambience and service, that to be able to offer it privately for the evening makes it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the successful bidder. It will undoubtedly raise a significant sum for the Trust and I can’t thank Martin and Cecile enough for their selfless support.”
Described by Martin as “a contemporary brasserie in an interpretation of the Parisian classic”, in only 18 months The Honours has quickly become an established favourite in Edinburgh, drawing guests from near and far and earning plaudits from the critics.
Martin Wishart, explaining why they are donating The Honours, said:
“I am delighted to offer The Honours as the top prize in the Silent Auction. The Muir Maxwell Trust is a great cause because, every day, it changes the lives of children with severe epilepsy. To mark their 10th anniversary, we wanted to give a significant item for auction and this is something we haven’t done on this scale before.
“Cecile and I have happily supported MMT over the years, providing items for auction but also cooking for the fundraising dinners. Ann has set us many challenges, pushing us to the limit at times – like holding one dinner in a tent for 350 guests. But it has always been an enjoyable experience because my team and I felt we were doing something very worthwhile.
“I wish Ann every success with the Silent Auction and can assure the winning bidder of a night to remember at The Honours.”
Bidding for this unique auction item is easy. Bidders simply register with Give Smart by texting Temple to 88850 and, once registered, bids can be sent in by text or via a smartphone.
More information about Lot 1 and 22 other lots in the Silent Auction can be found at www.mmt.auction-bid.org and www.give-smart.net. Bidding closes at 10pm on Thursday, 21st March. The winning bidder will be notified initially by Give Smart and subsequently contacted by MMT.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
