HIT Scotland’s POETS fundraising lunch has had 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 will help the charity continue its work supporting people across Scotland’s hospitality industry through its scholarship programme and development opportunities.
The ‘POP Goes the POETS’ event, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow, brought together people from across the industry, from independent businesses and emerging talent to some of Scotland’s best-known hospitality businesses and industry leaders.
Throughout the day, guests were treated to a showcase of hospitality talent across three courses, with some of Scotland’s most exciting chefs and HIT scholars and students demonstrating their expertise.
Entertainment was provided by Ray Quinn and Peter Andre, 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 games and auctions, helped along by the professional services of Natasha Raskin Sharp and the cajoling of MC Tam Cowan.
Chief executive of HIT Scotland, David Cochrane MBE, 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.”
