Gary's hungover Facebook rant raises £1500 for charity

Aug 22 2012 by Shona Mitchell, East Kilbride News

A HUNGOVER Facebook rant has attracted over 9000 ‘likes’.

And it led to a fantastic donation to a good cause.

Gary Henderson, 23, from Whitehills, woke up last Sunday morning with the memory of being thrown off the “VIP reserved” dance podium in Downtown Nightclub.

The tax office worker decided to post a tongue-in-cheek message on the nightspot’s Facebook page protesting his removal from the podium.

Soon, hundreds were commenting on his post and within a day over 9000 people had ‘liked’ it.

And as a result of the stir, staff at the nightspot decided to make it up to the podium wannabe.

Gary told the News: “Last week I was chucked off the podium in Downtown because men aren’t allowed on it. I wrote a good-natured complaint on the night club’s Facebook page the following morning. By Sunday night it had thousands of likes and was attracting a fair bit of attention in East Kilbride.

“Downtown got back in contact with me and were smart enough to see it as a great opportunity. They offered me the chance to go back and have half an hour myself on the podium as well as VIP treatment.

“I accepted, under the proviso that I didn’t get any VIP treatment, and instead we made the evening for charity and they made a donation.”

He added: “After a week-long build on Facebook, I returned to Downtown on Saturday. It was literally the busiest the club has ever been and a great night was had by all. I danced on the podium for ten minutes alone, backed up by the ‘The Podium Megamix’, several costume changes and an insane crowd.

“Overall we raised £1,500. An incredible amount considering just six days before I was all but barred from the place. I think it’s a really nice story of how social media can be a powerful tool used for good, and that stories about young folk in nightclubs can be positive ones sometime.

“I’d like to make a huge point of thanking all the Downtown staff for an incredible effort. The amount wouldn’t be anywhere near as high without their help.

“All the money raised is being donated to the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity in memory of East Kilbride’s Darren Joliny who was a friend of mine.

“Darren is never far from my mind – it was just pure coincidence it was something he’d absolutely have loved to be a part of. Any money was a bonus, and I was completely humbled and blown away by everyone's generosity.”

Joe Keenan, Downtown proprietor, added: “It was a pleasure to be involved in such a good event.

“Gary’s post on Facebook attracted almost 9000 likes and it was written with such good humour, we loved his post so much we replied promptly in the same style.

“We put out the challenge and he duly accepted. Saturday night was one of, if not the best party atmospheres we have experienced in Downtown.

“East Kilbride got behind the event and supported the cause raising some much need funds for charity.

“The post is now being followed by over 11,000 people and with the inclusion of 200 photos and a video of Gary’s podium dance I am sure there’s more to come.”

Anyone who would like to add to the total can do so at www.justgiving.com/gary-henderson2