The 2018 Hotels Have Hearts Gala will be held on Wednesday 2 May 2018 at the Hilton Sydney, and organisers are hoping the night will raise more than the 2016 event record of $619,000.
Since its inception the Hotels Have Hearts event has raised more than $3.6m for the St Vincent de Paul Society, giving funds to support people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage across New South Wales.
Chair of the Hotels Have Hearts committee, Kim Maloney, said he is pleased to be working on planning another successful event for a cause he is passionate about and one that reflects the industry’s desire to give back to those who need it most.
“Hotels Have Hearts is a statement that we care, that we are prepared to help, because the NSW hotel industry believes in a society where those who can help will give to those with little,” Maloney said.
“The true value and magnificent contribution that Vinnies’ Homeless Services provide to our city is hard to describe. They are the ones who reach out to those that others fail to notice and offer shelter, comfort and a pathway back to society.”
He added: “Our biennial Hotels Have Hearts event is a great way for our industry to come together for a wonderful cause and give back to the community that supports us.
“We couldn’t continue to break our fundraising record each event without the support of an extensive list of sponsors, generous industry colleagues, supporters and friends who all chip in to donate auction items, in-kind products and an array of other services and packages.”
Since 2002, Hotels Have Hearts has funded significant improvements to the Matthew Talbot Hostel including support of the home reach service, medical consultation rooms and equipment, as well as a training kitchen, computer laboratory and art studio for the Hostel, helping to reintroduce residents into their communities.
Additionally, proceeds from the Hotels Have Hearts event have been dedicated to refurbishing the recreation and garden space at Vincentian House, an inner city service for women and families experiencing homelessness. It has also funded a music studio, art room and programs for Vinnies’ Ozanam Learning Centre to help people begin their journey back into the community.