Lunch4Ukraine, a fundraising event launched by a collection of hospitality professionals, has raised £176k so far for the DEC Ukraine Appeal.
The event took place on 5 April at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, and welcomed over 1,000 hospitality professionals in order to raise funds for those affected by displacement and conflict in Ukraine.
The three-course Ukrainian-inspired menu was created by chef Nigel Boschetti of JW Marriott Grosvenor House London and Richard Corrigan of Corrigan’s Mayfair, in collaboration with Yurii Kovryzhenko, ambassador of Ukrainian cuisine.
Over 25 hospitality suppliers sponsored Lunch4Ukraine by providing food, beverages and other services for free so that the proceeds from ticket sales could be donated in full to the DEC Ukraine Appeal.
Commenting on the event, Stuart Bowery, multi property general manager, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London said: “The support of the hospitality industry coming together in raising funds for the DEC Ukraine Appeal has been staggering.
“In just three weeks, we have turned Lunch4Ukraine from an idea into a successful fundraising event, far surpassing our original goal of raising £100,000. I would like to thank everyone who attended the lunch, those who took part in our other fundraising activities including Hospitality Auction4Ukraine, and our generous sponsors that supported our cause.”
Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality, added: “This event underlines once again the importance of hospitality as a force for good in our society: bringing our communities together, looking after and caring for the most vulnerable, and providing the help and assistance that is needed at this critical time.”
Hospitality Auction4Ukraine
In conjunction with Lunch4Ukraine, the hospitality industry launched Hospitality Auction4Ukraine to raise further funds for the DEC Ukraine Appeal. More than 50 prizes have been donated by hotels and hospitality organisations
Hospitality Auction4Ukraine is open until 14 April.
The event was also supported UKHospitality, The Master Innholders, The Caterer, Gold Key Media, Custard Communications, Hospitality Action and the Institute of Hospitality.
