Celebrating 40 Years:

Happy Anniversary to Sense Scotland at CSS-sponsored Ball in Glasgow

CSS were absolutely thrilled to be the headline sponsors for the Sense Scotland 40th Anniversary Ball, which took place on Saturday 15th November 2025 at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

It was a night full of fantastic entertainment and wonderful fundraising at this iconic Glasgow venue. Read on to get some of the highlights, find out how much was raised and enjoy some great photos of the night by the talented Ken Clark.

Highlights from another Successful CSS-Sponsored Sense Scotland Fundraising Ball!

Our esteemed host for the evening was the brilliant Alex Fleming. He was on top form with his signature cheeky banter, keeping the energy high and the event running perfectly. He introduced some creative fundraising activities too, like ‘Santa’s Jolly Jackpot’ draw which saw one lucky guest walk away with a £1,000 cash prize!

The Impact of Sense Scotland’s Support: Simpson Family Story

The most moving part of the night was hearing from Sense Scotland Trustee Gary Simpson and his son Gerard.

Gary and his wife Maureen first sought support from Sense Scotland nearly 30 years ago when their twin sons Gerard and Martin were very young. The brothers are both blind and have learning disabilities. They both love music and thanks to Sense Scotland have made friends and grown in their independence through the life-changing support at TouchBase Glasgow.

The Simpsons’ emotional story highlighted the incredible impact of the charity’s work with families like theirs, powerfully demonstrating how fundraising events like the Anniversary Ball and guests’ generosity can help others across Scotland.

Loving the spectacular entertainment at the Sense Scotland Ball!

We were delighted to see the return of phenomenal nine-piece live band Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs, who, as always, had everyone on their feet! We also enjoyed a fantastic, nostalgic set from DJ Matthew Ward, who spun some real retro favourites with an 80s theme.

CSS Helps Raise Over £80,000 for Sense Scotland

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of all the guests and those who participated in the Online Auction, the event successfully raised over £80,000 for the people supported by Sense Scotland!

Thank You to Sponsors and Guests

We at CSS want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this spectacular milestone possible. Your kindness makes a real difference. What a great charity and an absolutely wonderful event!

We’re proud to support Sense Scotland. Visit their website to see some fantastic photos from the night!

Double Your Donation this Christmas with The Big Give Campaign

Here’s an amazing opportunity to make your kindness go even further.

From 2nd to 9th December 2025, every pound you donate to Sense Scotland could be matched by an Anonymous Champion and generous pledgers through the Big Give.

If you can, please hold off on donating until at least 2nd December. Your patience could mean double the impact for people with complex needs and their families across Scotland, like the Simpsons.

You can read the Simpson family’s full story and find out how to donate during the Big Give campaign on the Sense Scotland website.

Want to partner with us?

If you’re interested in working with us for CSS-sponsored events, groups and apparel, like Sense Scotland, Whitburn Community Development Trust and Glasgow City FC, please get in touch.

Giving back to the community is something we do – it’s a core value of Connelly Group Holdings to support our neighbours and communities. Visit our Community and Charity page for details of who we work with.