Cook & Dine raises £39k for Only a Pavement Away
Only A Pavement Away, the charity that supports people looking to rebuild their lives through employment opportunities in hospitality, announced that it has surpassed the milestone of placing 550 people into roles in the industry, also raising £39,000 at its annual Cook & Dine event last week.
The event was held on Tuesday, 24 September at Armory House at the Honourable Artillery Company in London. At its fifth Cook & Dine, the flagship charity event saw senior leaders from hospitality gather with guests and volunteers to cook, serve and dine together. Charity patron and celebrated chef Tom Aikens, who was recently recognised with the AA's prestigious Chef's Chef of the Year Award, prepared a three-course meal along with other sector volunteers.
The premise of the fundraising event is simple: to bring everyone who works in the industry under one roof, regardless of their background, experience or seniority, generating funds to help support people facing homelessness and help them forge careers in hospitality.
Only A Pavement Away aims to help 5,000 people find employment by 2029. Money raised from this year's event will go towards delivering the resources needed to enable the charity's mission.
"We're over the moon that this year's Cook & Dine fundraising event has been such a success, which saw industry leaders, volunteers and guests come together to support Only A Pavement Away," says CEO Greg Mangham. "I would like to thank everyone who attended, our hard-working volunteers and our sponsors for their ongoing and endless support and generosity, as well as chef and patron Tom Aikens, whose latest achievements were also honoured at the event.
"As we pass the milestone of placing over 550 members into work, this support is needed now more than ever, and the money raised from this year's event will help us continue our mission to provide pathways out of homelessness."
Image: Waterhouse Photography