Hospitality Action Ball raises £100,000

Last week's Hospitality Action Ball raised £100,000 to help those who have worked or are working in the hospitality industry, in times of crisis.

Hundreds of guests were welcomed to the Nine Kings Suite at the Lancaster in London on Friday 21 October, alongside top chefs including John Campbell, Ashley Palmer-Watts, Brian Turner and Silvena Rowe.

The charity auction raised £100,000, with bidders competing for nine exclusive lots, including an exclusive private dining experience at Corrigan's Mayfair, courtesy of Unilever Food Solutions, and a private box at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of Delaware North Companies.

During the evening, Hospitality Action presented four prestigious awards to recognise the contribution of those that had delivered exceptional support to the charity.

● The Ambassador award, sponsored by United Coffee, went to Fiona Rickard, managing director of Jellybean Creative Solutions, for her outstanding personal commitment to the charity.
● The President's award, sponsored by William Murray Communications, was given to Bunzl Catering Supplies for their consistent support over the past 12 months.
● The Ark Foundation award for Corporate Social Responsibility recognises a company who has shown a proactive approach to combating the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. The winner, Lime Wood, was recognised for its work with the Ark for Business on staff training and seminars for its employees.
● Finally, the HA's Heroes award went to Michael Cross of Churchill China in recognition of his dedication to promoting the charity's work.

Penny Moore, chief executive of Hospitality Action, said: "The extraordinary generosity shown will allow us to continue to raise awareness of key issues and helps us to support industry members in their darkest hour. Thank you so much to all those who have supported the ball this year and made it a real night to remember."

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By Neil Gerrard

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