Big Boost from Big Night

We raised nearly a quarter of a million pounds for the Fifteen Foundation at our annual fundraiser, ‘A Big Night Out with Fifteen’.

A huge, great thank you to everyone - our donors, guests, Jamie and the trustees, volunteers, performers and sponsors – who helped to make Tuesday a night to remember. The feedback has been fantastic and those who’ve been involved in previous events have said it was the best one ever.

Two Fifteen graduates - Lloyd Hayes and Portia Eyson - and an apprentice from our current year, Marlon Nicolls, stood up in front of the guests and described their personal journeys and how Fifteen has helped them to pursue their restaurant careers. Jamie Oliver personally introduced the evening and explained Fifteen’s purpose. He also thanked all the apprentices for their involvement on the night.

The evening means a lot to the young people as the money raised helps fund them through the apprentice scheme, helping to pay for such things as knives, equipment, sourcing trips and welfare support.

The event was also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Fifteen Events team who prepared and served a sumptuous five-course dinner to the 200 guests in the striking Art Deco setting of the Bloomsbury Ballroom.

Comedy star Katy Brand’s excellent MC-ing kept the evening on track while Jamie Cullum and Sharleen Spiteri sparkled with their performances. Auctioneer Lord Dalmeny was brilliant at both raising money and keeping the crowd entertained with his humorous commentary.

We’re about to start work on Big Night 2009 so watch this space for the next date.

Penny and the team at Fifteen