By Stefanie Collins, editor bars&clubs
The U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year competition is officially underway, with a record 800 venues already on board to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
One of Australia’s most quirky fundraising events, created to support people with blood cancer, the competition has seen bartenders from all around the country lining up to put their U.G.L.Y.-ness to the test.
Already running in Queensland, and kicking off in other states and territories on October 1, U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year is an opportunity for venues to show their community spirit. Every $80 raised by an entrant provides one night of accommodation to a regional family required to relocate to the city for leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma treatment. The Leukaemia Foundation’s aim is to provide 20,000 nights of accommodation through the U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year Campaign in 2015.
With the support of an array of sponsors, each state is offering prizes to acknowledge the generosity and fundraising initiative of the bartenders and venues involved.
The highest fundraiser in each state or territory will be crowed U.G.L.Y Bartender of the Year, winning a trophy, a $3000 travel voucher and, for their venue, a Hoshizaki Lancer prize valued at $7500.
To register or find out more about having fun supporting a worthy cause, visit www.uglybartender.org.au.