Peter Gordon Brings Foodie Fundraiser Home

Peter Gordon Brings Foodie Fundraiser Home

On Saturday 30 June 2007, SKYCITY will open its kitchens and banqueting rooms to some of the world's best-known chefs for New Zealand's first 'SKYCITY Dining for a Difference' fundraiser.

The event is the brainchild of chef Peter Gordon, arguably New Zealand's highest profile international culinary celebrity, and will raise money for The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation.

Peter, of The Providores Restaurant in London and SKYCITY's dine by Peter Gordon, knows the terrible toll leukaemia can take having successfully donated bone marrow to his sister Tracey over 10 years ago.

Inspired to help other patients with leukaemia, Peter has used his reputation and skill as a chef to orchestrate dinners in the United Kingdom (UK) over the last nine years to help raise almost £3 million for the Leukaemia Unit at Hammersmith Hospital in London.

Following the success of the UK dinners, Peter, with the help of twelve of New Zealand and Australia's best chefs, along with Govind Armstrong from Table 8 in Los Angeles and Miami, will help support leukaemia patients here in New Zealand by taking part in a culinary feast - with a twist.

Table numbers will be drawn out of a hat with each chef being allocated two tables. Until this point, the 260 guests will have no idea which chef will be preparing their meal for the evening or what they will be served. Each chef will produce a four-course menu with matching wines for two tables of 10 guests.

Peter Gordon is thrilled to bring the challenging culinary event home to New Zealand.

"The atmosphere created by thirteen top chefs working together under one roof is incredible. I'm excited to be able to work alongside my peers and fellow Antipodeans, whilst supporting a cause that is so close to my heart."

Proceeds from the event will go towards The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation's Support Services Programme. Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation says that need for this critical service outstrips their present resources.

"A diagnosis of leukaemia is life-changing and providing support to patients and families at this time is vital. Four children and adults are diagnosed with leukaemia or a related blood cancer every day in New Zealand, so the need is great.

With SKYCITY and Peter Gordon's support we hope to raise funds to meet this need and further develop the Patient Support Programme."

All chefs participating in the SKYCITY Dining for a Difference fundraiser will be flown to Auckland with flights donated by Air New Zealand and will be staying at the SKYCITY Grand Hotel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

When: Saturday 30 June 2007
Where: The Auckland Rooms, SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre

Chefs taking part in SKYCITY Dining for a Difference fundraiser:

1. Peter Gordon, dine by Peter Gordon, Auckland/The Providores, London
2. Al Brown of Logan Brown, Wellington
3. Govind Armstrong of Table 8, Los Angeles and Miami
4. Simon Gault of Euro, Auckland
5. Mark Gregory of The Westin, Auckland
6. Phillip Johnson of Ecco, Brisbane
7. Phillip Kraal of Le Bon Bolli, Christchurch
8. Greg Malouf of Malouf Mezza, Melbourne
9. Christine Mansfield from Sydney
10. Rex Morgan of Citron, Wellington
11. Geoff Scott of Vinnies, Auckland
12. Peter Thornley of Bracu, Auckland
13. Mystery chef - to be confirmed

About the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation:

The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation is New Zealand's only non-profit organisation dedicated to helping patients and their families with leukaemia and related blood cancers. More than 1400 people are diagnosed every year in New Zealand with these disorders. The Foundation's activities include patient support, education, research, advocacy and medical equipment. They receive no government funding.

The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation's Support Services Programme provides counselling, visiting (both home and hospital), education, information, support groups, advocacy support, and financial support on a case by case basis.

For further information please visit go to: www.leukaemia.org.nz or www.skycity.co.nz

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