My Costume Drama came to an exciting climax with a celebratory party and fundraiser at Charles Street on Friday, September 30.
For the previous twelve months student and chef at the Bedford Tavern, Aaron Lawrence aka entertainer Spice had dressed every day in different fancy dress to raise money for MindOut, the LGBTQ Mental Health Charity. The Charles Street event marked his 365th day dressing up and raised £645.00.
Entertainment on the night was provided by Spice, Sally Vate, Tabitha Wild, Trudi Styles, Miss Treated, Lydia L’Scabies, The Sea Serpents, Cherry Shakewell, Lee Burridge (magician) and The Dilemma Girls who all donated their services.
During the year todate Spice has raised £13,600 with My Costume Drama for MindOut, the LGBT Mental Health Charity.
Although Spice’s 12 months of dressing up every day are over, there are another couple of fundraising events still to come in October, before a grand total of the amount of money raised for the project will be announced during November.
The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Pete West had a prior function booked into his diary and could not attend.
He sent a message of commendation along to acknowledge Aaron’s achievements during the last 12 months.
In it the Mayor wrote: “On behalf of the City of Brighton & Hove I commend your compassion, energy and selflessness.
“I am very sorry that I cannot be with you this evening to celebrate your fantastic achievement and join what I feel sure will be an amazing night. I will however be giving my robes an extra swish in your honour and I wholeheartedly commend your initiative.
“Statistics suggest that the LGBT community are particularly vulnerable when it comes to mental health and though our city is a welcoming haven for many, a great place to be does not necessarily confer great mental health.
“The pressures on individual LGBT persons in terms of identity, family, self-awareness and sexual health can each and all give cause for concern, so it’s no surprise that some find themselves in need of support. In many of those cases MindOut are a lifeline, both a friend and advocate and a kindly ear for problems that might otherwise be hard to articulate.
“Your year in fancy dress has not only raised significant amounts of money, but has provided a gateway to the service, raising its profile and remove some of the anxieties people might have about it by you positive and joyful way of fundraising.”
For more information about My Costume Drama, click here:
For more information about MindOut, click here:
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