The latest Hotels Have Hearts Illawarra event has seen the region’s hoteliers pass the million dollar milestone for funds raised, since it launched in 2010.
Last week saw people from across the region and the industry gather at the Novotel Wollongong, where $140,000 was donated for two local special needs schools. That took the total raised since 2010 to about $1.04m.
Event organiser, local publican and AHA NSW council delegate Mick Dennis said he was pleased with the result.
“We were hopeful we would reach the million dollar mark this year and thanks to the hard work of local hoteliers, industry partners, suppliers and sponsors we have managed to do exactly that,” he said.
“We’ve come a long way – at the first event in 2010 we only raised $30,000 so it has been growing steadily since then. HHH Illawarra has gained a lot of support over the years as all funds raised go to such a great cause.”
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan, who attended the fundraiser, said it showed the community spirit of local hoteliers.
“Hotels are the hearts of their local communities – and that generosity of spirit is on display at events like HHH Illawarra,” Mr Whelan said.
“I want to congratulate all involved for their support of such a worthwhile cause.”
More than 300 publicans and community leaders attended the event, which featured silent and live auctions along with other fundraising activities, with Wollongong’s Parameadows School and Warilla’s Peterborough School due to share the funds raised.