Students’ fundraising success
Top chef Mark Lloyd helped Hospitality and Catering students host a charity evening for invited guests.
The pop-up restaurant, for one night only, raised funds for St Andrew’s Hospice.
Mark tasked the students to plan, prepare, cook and serve a 3-course meal at the event.
He said: “It was my pleasure, they were great!
“I’m glad the students enjoyed it. I am super proud of the hard work they put into the project; it really doesn’t work without them.”
Students fundraised, sourced ingredients and collected raffle prizes in the run up to the event to ensure its success.
Their fundraising efforts involved washing staff cars after school, selling bags of sweets and hosting a non-uniform day, as well as the event itself and a raffle.
The students decided to create a mystery menu, giving an added element of surprise for their guests on the night.
They were treated to live music provided by Toll Bar Sixth Form student, Ewan Blug, who played piano throughout the evening.
The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Cllr Steve Beasant accepted an invitation and attended along with the CEO of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust Martin Brown, teachers from Waltham Toll Bar Academy, and friends and family of the students.
Vice Principal and Head of Sixth Form, Christina Hook said: “It was a fantastic evening that brought together people from across our school community and the wider local area.
“The students and staff delivered a truly professional dining experience, and everything from the choice of menu, decoration and entertainment was executed to perfection.”
Mr Brown said: “It was a pleasure to attend such a successful evening.
“The students did a fantastic job to prepare and cook an evening meal for so many people.
“The experience gained in a commercial kitchen under the guidance of a professional chef was brilliant for students studying Catering and Hospitality and enriched their education.
“The students withstood the pressure and will have learned a great deal that I am sure will stand them in good stead for the future.
“Additionally, the event raised a considerable sum for charity which added to the event’s success. I would like to thank and congratulate all those involved, chef Mark Lloyd, staff and students who made the event possible.”
Special thanks went to the companies that assisted the students with the evening. Happicakies provided decorations and RAF Conningsby supplied crockery.
AJ Embroidery provided discounted polo shirts and aprons to ensure the students looked the part and several supermarkets provided raffle prizes and ingredients.
Teacher Bernadette Morgan, who helped arrange the event, said: “I am so pleased with how it went.
“The students raised a lot of money and it’s all down to their hard work. To say that I am a proud teacher doesn’t even come close. I am also very thankful to Mark for helping us with the event.”
The total raised so far is £4,671. Students are still to host a 5-a-side football event after Easter which will also be fundraising towards their event.
You can still donate towards the event here: Waltham Toll Bar Academy is fundraising for St Andrew's Hospice (justgiving.com)
A huge thank you to the following contributors who made the event possible:
- Humberston Lions
- Tesco Cleethorpes
- Tesco Grimsby
- Morrisons Louth
- Co-op Waltham
- RAF Conningsby
- Happicakies
- AJ Embroidery
- Asda Grimsby
- The Boutique
- Skegness Natureland
- Skegness Aquarium
- Laceby Manor Golf Club
- Mockingbird Streetfood
- Grimsby & Humberston Lions
- Beauty by Louise
- Tin Jug
