By Annette Shailer
The Hotels Have Hearts Gala Dinner was held last night (Aug 5) at the Hilton Hotel Sydney raising more than $300,000 for Matthew Talbot Homeless Services.
Master of Ceremonies, Vince Sorrenti, welcomed more than 550 hotel industry identities and special guests including NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell MP, the Hon George Souris MP, the Hon Kevin Greene MP, Brother Dan Stafford and His Excellency, the Hon Sir William Deane AC KBE.
In what has become a real highlight of the hotel industry social calendar, this year’s event was the 6th Hotels Have Hearts fundraiser, bringing the total funds for Matthew Talbot Homeless Services to more than $2 million.
“Matthew Talbot Homeless Services is very proud to have the hotel industry as its friend and supporter and through its ongoing generosity, we have been able to make a real difference to the lives of so many men, women and children who are homeless,” Brother Dan Stafford said.
“Through the tireless work of the Hotels Have Hearts Committee, we have been able to offer learning, recreation, shelter and dignity to countless homeless Australians. I thank them for their dedication and passion.”
The funds raised at Hotels Have Hearts by the State’s hoteliers has directly contributed to the construction of the landmark Ozanam Learning Centre in Woolloomooloo and the opening of Vincentian House for homeless families with children.
“This event sends a message to those at Matthew Talbot that we value what you do for the community,” said AHA (NSW) President Scott Leach.
“Perhaps even more importantly, it lets those in need of the Talbot’s services know that somebody cares, people are interested and there is always hope.”
Each year, the NSW hotel community donates more than $25 million in direct financial support to charity, as well as services and facilities.