The 2014 Hotels Have Hearts gala fundraiser broke records, with almost half a million dollars raised for the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Matthew Talbot Homeless Services.
The special charity event at the Hilton, Sydney on Wednesday night was attended by hundreds of business and community leaders including NSW Hospitality, Gaming and Racing Minister Troy Grant and former Australian Governor-General Sir William Deane, AC KBE QC.
Hoteliers from across NSW also attended, showing their generosity and support for St Vincents.
A highlight of the event was a live auction by radio talkback legend Ray Hadley.
AHA NSW president Scott Leach said more than $490,000 was raised during the evening with donations still coming in.
“Once again Hotels Have Hearts shows the real generosity of spirit of hoteliers in this state,” Leach said.
“It is great to see money going to such a worthwhile cause as the Matthew Talbot Homeless Services – we are proud to be associated with this very worthwhile event which raises funds for those who need it most.
“The evening was a credit to hotelier Kim Maloney and the entire organising committee which puts in many hours of hard work to ensure this event is a success.”
Hotels Have Hearts is a bi-ennial event; now in its 12th year it has raised almost $3 million dollars for charity.
Hotels donate more than $25 million to charity every year and support more than 40,000 community, sporting and religious organisations across NSW.