More than 630 hospitality and business leaders come together in Glasgow to support the future of Scotland’s hospitality industry
HIT Scotland’s POETS fundraising lunch has celebrated its most successful event to date, welcoming more than 630 guests from across Scotland’s hospitality and business community to Glasgow and raising more than £100,000 for the charity.
The record fundraising total represents a major boost for HIT Scotland and will help the charity continue its work supporting people across Scotland’s hospitality industry through its renowned scholarship programme and development opportunities.
The ‘POP Goes the POETS’ event brought together people from right across the industry, from independent businesses and emerging talent to some of Scotland’s best-known hospitality businesses and industry leaders, reflecting the unique spirit of HIT Scotland and its commitment to bringing people together to create opportunities and strengthen the future of the sector.
Throughout the day, guests were treated to an outstanding showcase of hospitality talent across three courses, with some of Scotland’s most exciting chefs and HIT scholars and students demonstrating the expertise, creativity and passion that sits at the heart of the industry.
Entertainment was provided by Ray Quinn and Peter Andre, adding to an already memorable day and making the POETS Lunch, once again, a standout date in the hospitality calendar. Followed by an afterparty set from Ben from Phats & Small and DJ Smithy plus post-party drinks and ‘munchy boxes’ in true Scottish style.
The impressive funds were raised through a series of fun games and auctions, helped along by the professional services of Natasha Raskin Sharp and the cajoling of our MC, Tam Cowan. The generosity of the many prize donators and the variety of lots available helped to tempt most attendees to put their hands in their pockets.
The funds raised will directly support HIT Scotland’s work to create opportunities for people working in hospitality, including scholarships and development programmes designed to respond to the changing needs of the industry.
HIT Scotland has a long history of investing in people and their potential. Its scholarships give early-career and mid-level professionals the opportunity to broaden their experience, develop new skills and learn from industry leaders, while its wider development programmes support people at every stage of their careers.
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said: “The POETS lunch is always one of the highlights of the HIT Scotland calendar, but this year’s event was something truly special. To welcome more than 600 people from across industry and to raise more than £100,000 is an incredible achievement.
“What makes HIT Scotland so special is the way our industry comes together. Businesses large and small, established leaders, emerging talent, chefs, students, sponsors and supporters all play their part, and that collective spirit is what allows us to create real opportunities for people across Scottish hospitality.
“We were able to showcase some amazing chefs and students throughout the day, celebrating the talent, ambition and passion that exists across our industry, while Ray Quinn and Peter Andre provided fantastic entertainment and helped make it such a memorable occasion.
“We are absolutely delighted that this year’s event will make such an important impact. Every pound raised helps us continue to invest in people, create opportunities and support the future of hospitality in Scotland.
“A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered and helped make the day possible. The generosity of our industry never ceases to amaze me.”
The success of the POETS lunch comes as HIT Scotland continues to expand the opportunities it offers to people across the sector. The charity has provided more than 7,500 scholarships and 14,000 bursaries since its foundation, with its fundraising activity helping to make these opportunities possible.
With more than three decades of supporting Scottish hospitality, HIT Scotland remains focused on creating opportunities that help individuals grow, from those starting out in the profession and looking to broaden their skills and experience, through to senior leaders seeking to take their impact further.
The funds raised at the POETS Lunch will help ensure that work can continue, providing a lasting legacy from one of the biggest days in the HIT Scotland calendar.
For more information, contact Tigerbond:
Hazel.Brynes@tigerbond.com
07740771108
Sarah.ballantyne@tigerbond.com
07305399299
