Top Chefs & Skycity Cook Up Over $200k For Charity

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Top Chefs cook up over $200,000 for charity at 'SKYCITY Dining for a Difference'

Last Saturday night, 30 June 2007, thirteen top chefs cooked up a gourmet storm at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre - all in the name of a good cause.

Peter Gordon putting the final touches on his main courses at SKYCITY 'Dining for a Difference'

'SKYCITY Dining for a Difference' raised over $200,000 for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation - a cause that is especially dear to famous chef and the event's mastermind, Peter Gordon's, heart. Peter's sister Tracey was diagnosed with leukaemia over ten years ago and since then Peter has organised dinners in the United Kingdom to raise money for the Leukaemia Unit at Hammersmith Hospital in London. This year, with help from major sponsor SKYCITY, Peter bought the fundraiser home.

Chefs that joined Peter included Wellington chefs Al Brown (Logan Brown) and Rex Morgan (Citron), Auckland chefs Simon Gault (Euro), Mark Gregory (The Westin), Geoff Scott (Vinnies) and Peter Thornley (Bracu), Christchurch chef Phillip Kraal (Le Bon Bolli), Australian-based chefs Philip Johnson (e'cco), Justin North (Becasse), Christine Manfield (Universal) and Greg Malouf (Mo Mo) and Los Angeles chef Govind Armstrong (Table 8).

SKYCITY General Manager of Communications, Megan McSweeney, says that SKYCITY was thrilled to be the major sponsor of an event that raised over $200,000 for a cause that is important to many New Zealanders.

"With four New Zealanders diagnosed every day with leukaemia or blood related cancer, the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation is a lifeline for many families in need".

Leukaemia & Blood Foundation Executive Director Pru Etcheverry was equally delighted with the event.

"It was an incredible night with an incredible outcome. The spirited bidding on items such as the unique opportunity to have Peter Gordon cook for 10 guests in the comfort of your home and a record breaking $32,000 bid for a trip to London to dine at Peter's fabulous restaurant The Providores was just simply sensational.

"The money raised by SKYCITY Dining for a Difference will go towards providing support, visits, counselling, education and information services for patients and their families affected by leukaemia and other blood cancers", says Ms Etcheverry.

"As you can imagine, we are extremely grateful to everyone who made the event possible - and a special thank you to Peter Gordon whose vision, enthusiasm and energy have been amazing".

'SKYCITY Dining for A Difference' was also used as a platform to launch the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation's new fundraising initiative 'Every Day Counts'. Every Day Counts is a concept where, for $1,000, supporters can 'buy' and name a date on the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation online calendar. $1,000 a day is the cost of running the Foundation's Patient Support Services, money raised will fund this service. In addition to the auction over 50 days were "sold" at the SKYCITY Dining for a Difference event.

To find out more information or to donate to the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation go to www.leukaemia.org.nz

ENDS

Chefs that took part in SKYCITY Dining for a Difference:

1. Peter Gordon, dine by Peter Gordon, Auckland & The Providores, London
2. Al Brown, Logan Brown, Wellington
3. Govind Armstrong, Table 8, Los Angeles and Miami, USA
4. Simon Gault, Euro, Auckland
5. Mark Gregory, The Westin, Auckland
6. Philip Johnson, Ecco, Brisbane, Australia
7. Phillip Kraal, Le Bon Bolli, Christchurch
8. Greg Malouf, Malouf Mezza, Melbourne, Australia
9. Christine Manfield, Universal, Sydney, Australia
10. Rex Morgan, Citron, Wellington
11. Geoff Scott, Vinnies, Auckland
12. Peter Thornley, Bracu, Auckland
13. Justin North, Becasse, Sydney, Australia

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