Hotels raise £104k for Grenfell survivors

A number of hotels have raised £104,000 for the survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire following a fundraising dinner last week.

The ‘London Unites’ charity dinner was hosted by Michael Sloan of the Novotel Hammersmith with the support of other hotels in west London led by Edward Bracken, general manager of the Crowne Plaza Kensington.

Neighbouring hotels such as Lancaster London, The Dorsett and Royal Garden Hotel also contributed to the money raised.

Ben Purton, executive head chef and director of food and beverage at Lancaster London, was involved on the organisational team. Volunteers from the sales and marketing team also worked the evening as chefs and waiters, alongside kitchen apprentices and guest safety staff from Lancaster London.

The dinner hosted over 500 guests with zero costs involved where staff, food, beverages entertainment and AV were fully donated.

The evening included a three-course dinner, a silent live auction, music and entertainment. Survivors of the tragedy shared their stories with the room, and the two tables of Ladbroke Fire Station staff were given a standing ovation for their heroism and bravery in saving lives.

Bracken said: “The whole evening was an incredibly humbling experience. It is fantastic that we have been able to raise this amount with only three weeks to prepare, with everyone involved donating their time, food, drink… everything was contributed with no charge.

“It was a wonderful example of what true hospitality is.”

The money raised will be distributed via The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, The Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund and The London Community Foundation.