TV chefs in Birmingham serve up £27,000 from food event

An unforgettable evening of Brummie culinary excellence has raised a staggering £27,665 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Chefs for Charity saw two of the second city’s greatest culinary heroes join forces for an exclusive dining experience to raise funds towards Acorns lifeline care for seriously ill children and support for their families.

The exclusive event, hosted at University College Birmingham (UCB), saw 85 guests come together to enjoy the finest in dining from MasterChef: The Professionals 2021 winner and Acorns ambassador Dan Lee, alongside Alex Claridge, renowned head chef of The Wilderness and star of The Great British Menu.

Dan said: “It was an amazing night overall for a fantastic cause, topped off by being able to raise a stunning amount of money. Special thanks to everyone who made it possible.”

Alex added: “What an immense achievement of Brummie excellence for one the city’s important charities. I’m chuffed that my team and I were able to play our part.”

The event was organised by Acorns ambassador Harriet Giles of Dishoom and long-time supporter of the charity Prof. Paul Cadman and was held in collaboration with University College Birmingham (UCB).

Guests were treated to a series of six courses expertly crafted by Dan and Alex with support from UCB’s promising culinary students, who received a standing ovation for their outstanding efforts.

Harriet Giles said: “The night was a huge community achievement across the hospitality sector. It was an honour to raise such an incredible amount of money for such a just cause, which wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of so many people.”

All funds raised from ticket sales, the raffle, and an on-the-night auction will go directly towards Acorns vital care for children with life limiting or life threatening conditions across the West Midlands.

Louise Skidmore, fundraising manager for Corporate Partnerships at Acorns, said: “The Chefs for Charity event shows the true power of the community when kind-hearted people come together for those in need.

“A huge heartfelt thank you to Dan Lee, Alex Claridge, University College Birmingham, our event organisers and sponsors, our dinner guests and everyone who made this unforgettable evening possible.

“Your generosity means we can continue to ensure families caring for seriously ill children never have to do it alone."

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for more than 700 babies, children and young people every year from its three hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester and in the community, as well as support for around 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

The charity needs £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

To find out more about how you can support Acorns care for local children and families, visit the website.

Pictured: The chefs on the night- Dan (far left) with Alex (far right)