Hotels Have Hearts Illawarra achieved a milestone in its charitable efforts, with last week’s event tipping its total raised to beyond $1 million.
Last Wednesday more than 300 publicans and community leaders gathered at Novotel Wollongong, organised through local publican and AHA NSW council delegate Mick Dennis.
The evening saw $140,000 raised for two local special needs schools, Wollongong’s Parameadows and Warilla’s Peterborough. This brought HHH Illawarra’s total since 2010 to $1.04 million.
“We were hopeful we would reach the million-dollar mark this year and thanks to the hard work of local hoteliers, industry partners, suppliers and sponsors we have managed to do exactly that,” said Dennis.
“We’ve come a long way – at the first event in 2010 we only raised $30,000 so it has been growing steadily since then. HHH Illawarra has gained a lot of support over the years as all funds raised go to such a great cause.”
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan attended the gala event and says it was an example of the community spirit he sees amongst hoteliers.
“Hotels are the hearts of their local communities – and that generosity of spirit is on display at events like HHH Illawarra,” he said. “I want to congratulate all involved for their support of such a worthwhile cause.”
