26 March
Aurora Foxes and Hilton fundraisers smash target
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The success of a series of fundraising activities that took place over the weekend to mark World Down Syndrome Day has resulted in Aurora Foxes and team members from global hospitality company Hilton smashing their fundraising target for charity.
Foxes and Hilton have enjoyed a long and fruitful collaboration during the past 10 years and this valued partnership was underlined in Minehead on Friday and Saturday (March 20-21) with three fundraising events that concluded with a ‘Hilton Takeover’ at Foxes’ hotel featuring a three-course sit down meal.
The events, which in total raised in excess of £6,300 for the Down’s Syndrome Association, began on Friday when five runners from Hilton joined three from Aurora to run 21 miles from West Bagborough in the Quantock Hills to Foxes’ seafront training hotel, supported by Daniel Brice from Channel Events. The following day, Foxes students joined the fun, collectively walking 21 miles for charity.
Among the guests who attended the meal in the evening were Esther Brittan MBE, Hilton’s HR Operations Manager for UK & Ireland; Sande Nuttall, Information Officer at the Down’s Syndrome Association and award-winning theatre producer and Down’s Syndrome Association ambassador Lou Stein.
Thanking all those who took part, Aurora Foxes’ Principal Mark Costello said he was delighted that the fundraising target of £3,000 had been exceeded so comprehensively.
He said: “Once again, Hilton has demonstrated just how committed they are to encouraging and inspiring all young people to consider a career in hospitality. This weekend was a real team effort, with students, staff and partners all coming together to deliver something we can be incredibly proud of. From the 21-mile run and the student walk to the Hilton takeover, it showcased what’s possible when we work together with a shared purpose.”
Esther said: “We’re incredibly proud to work with Aurora Foxes and to see the passion and talent of the students shine throughout the weekend.”
"This weekend was a powerful reminder of the positive impact inclusive employment and meaningful partnerships can have." Ester Brittan MBE, Hilton's HR Operations Manager.
Sande Nuttall, Information Officer at the Down’s Syndrome Association, who attended the Hilton Takeover in the evening said it was a wonderful way to celebrate both World Down Syndrome Day and the partnerships that exist between her charity, Hilton and Aurora Foxes.
Ms Nuttall, whose daughter attends Foxes, added: “The room was buzzing with positivity, from the students who talked about their favourite parts of their jobs, to the Hilton chefs enjoying working with them and the proud sponsors and staff seeing what a difference the training college is making.
“The magnificent sum raised will help us to continue our work improving lives and opportunities for our community so that the pipeline of talent to colleges and workplaces such as Foxes and Hilton continues for the future.”
Mr Stein, whose son attends Foxes, said: “The evening was a great example of a win-win for the community of people and families with Down's Syndrome and also for Aurora Foxes and Hilton. I think both organisations working together is so powerful in terms of training and employment and empowers and our young people to be able to say – ‘Yes this CAN happen’.”
The full list of those who ran 21 miles is: Guy Hilton, Area General Manager; The Waldorf Hilton, London; Richard Hopton, Interim Director Franchise Support, UK & Ireland; Cristian Marongiu, F&B Administrator, Conrad London St James; Pratik Rupacha, Guest Relations Manager, Hilton London Canary Wharf; Pawel Wielgolinski, Sous Chef, Hilton Birmingham Metropole; Charlie Hunt, Foxes Learning Support Practitioner; Amber Coles, Foxes’ Front of House Tutor, Nicola Greenaway, a teacher at Aurora Severnside and Daniel Brice, from Channel Events.
