A charity celebration marking ten years of Soul Kitchen Chester has raised over £10,000 to help sustain its services for vulnerable people.
The event took place at Chester Racecourse on 12 February and welcomed more than 170 guests, with donations on the night reaching £10,232.
Soul Kitchen Chester, founded in 2015, provides meals, essential supplies and guidance for individuals experiencing homelessness, and has become a vital support network within the city.
The anniversary ball began with drinks from Barlounge, CHANCE Clean Cider and Wrexham Lager before a surprise flash mob added an unexpected element to the evening.
The fundraiser was organised by trustee and special advisor Steven Hesketh, founder of Hospitality Hero and owner of the Chester Townhouse.
Steven said: “Our little vision came to life in a room full of people who showed up, gave big, and reminded me why our community still wins.
“By the end of it all, we raised £10,232. Just over ten grand in one night, for a charity that genuinely changes lives. That’s what happens when people come together and actually back something that matters.”
Guests were served a three-course meal by Chester Racecourse and Horseradish and took part in Boogie Bingo, an auction and a raffle featuring a range of prizes.
Donations included football shirts, a stay at Chester Zoo Reserve and a Dandy’s voucher.
Helen Anthony MBE, the charity’s CEO, delivered a speech outlining the scale of homelessness in the area and the organisation’s ongoing response.
Support for the event was provided by local partners including Chester Zoo, Downtown in Business, Adam Dandy, Hotel Wrexham and ASG Audio Visual.
