Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery is a restaurant that plays an active part in the local community. On a cold Monday night, there was a enthusiastic gathering to raise funds to support Abercorn Secondary School in Cowcaddens. Guests included pupils, their families and teachers. Some of the pupils helped serve dinner and drinks to the diners and a grand total of £4200 for the school.
Abercorn Secondary caters for young people with additional support needs. They are passionate about developing the talents and potential of students and provide a nurturing environment.
Speaking about the evening, Ryan James, owner of Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery told Glasgowist: “We started our relationship with Abercorn Secondary School a few years ago when they visited The Shandon Belles for afternoon tea so that they could explain to us what they were doing, how much they wanted to raise and other ways we could help.
“We all really fell in love with the kids and agreed to help them raise the £10,000 they needed to take some of the kids to The Special Olympics. Cut a long story short they raised all the funds they needed and we helped a wee bit but I felt we needed to do more and that’s where the idea of Monday night’s dinner came from.
“We designed a five course tasting menu with canapes, prosecco and wine and we invited some of the students from Abercorn to help with service during the evening.
“All of those who had dinner were asked to donate what they felt the meal was worth. The money will now be used by the school to further advance the opportunities for extra special events and trips for the students.”
Manager Rory McGinlay said: “It was a privilege to host a fundraising dinner for Abercorn Secondary School. Five of the Abercorn pupils kindly offered to help during service so they could get the experience of working in a busy restaurant. All of them took to it exceptionally well – so professional, keen and willing to learn – they were an absolute delight to work with.”
Ned Anderson, a teacher at Abercorn added: “I first knocked on the door of Two Fat Ladies last year when I was out with a group of Abercorn pupils looking for prizes we could raffle off to help with our fundraising for the Special Olympics. I was hoping we might be able to blag a voucher for a bottle of wine or maybe even a free meal, but what we ended up getting was an absolutely delicious five course banquet for not one, but sixty six guests!”
“Altogether we raised £4200 which we’ll use to help our pupils train for and participate in the 40th anniversary event in Stirling later this year. But the money is only part of the story. Ryan had already invited a group along for afternoon tea and spent an evening working with some of our pupils teaching them how to make petit fours at the City Chambers. On the night at the Buttery he had his staff worked with five of our pupils to serve food and wine throughout the evening, giving them an unforgettable experience which they haven’t stopped talking about since. Our pupils have learning needs which can make accessing the world of work particularly daunting but Ryan put them at ease and gave them the confidence to succeed. The night had a truly magical atmosphere and has put a spring in the step of the whole school. Our thanks goes to everyone at Two Fat Ladies, your generosity is beyond belief and we are eternally grateful for everything you’ve done for the school.”
