Top Chefs Trot The Globe For Skycity Dining

MEDIA RELEASE
12 March 2009

Top Chefs Trot The Globe For Skycity Dining For A Difference Fundraiser

On Saturday 18 April, SKYCITY will again open its kitchens and banqueting rooms to Peter Gordon and twelve renowned chefs from New Zealand and across the globe for the ‘SKYCITY Dining for a Difference’ fundraiser.

‘SKYCITY Dining for a Difference’, one of Auckland’s most prestigious fundraisers was first held in June 2007 and raised an astounding $205,000 for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF).

The award winning event is the brainchild of New Zealand celebrity chef Peter Gordon, arguably New Zealand’s highest profile international culinary celebrity and is made possible by SKYCITY.

This time around Peter has assembled New Zealand and Australia’s best chefs, along with Jereme Leung the creative powerhouse at Whampoa Club, one of Shanghai’s foodie hotspots, to cook up what promises to be a culinary extravaganza to raise money for the LBF.

Peter, of SKYCITY’s dine by Peter Gordon and The Providores Restaurant in London is well aware of the impact of leukaemia having successfully donated bone marrow to his sister Tracey over 12 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 over the last eleven years to help raise over £3 million (about 8.4 million NZ$) for the Leukaemia Unit at Hammersmith Hospital in London.

And this culinary feast has a twist. Table numbers will be drawn out of a hat with each chef being allocated two tables. Until the night, the 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 stunning event to New Zealand.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together to help the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation. SKYCITY is delighted to be supporting such a fantastic cause and to be doing it in such style. In these economic times it is more important than ever to give back to the community and great to be doing it in such a fun way.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation Support Services Programme. Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the Foundation says the demand for their services is on the rise.

“Every day six children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or a related blood condition. Such a diagnosis can be life-changing. Providing information, education and support to patients and families at this time is terribly important. We are honoured to be working with Peter and all the chefs.

“With SKYCITY and Peter Gordon’s support we hope to continue raising 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.
Tickets to this gastronomic delight sell out fast, so to book the hottest table in town email lbf@leukaemia.org.nz.

ENDS

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