College hosts animal welfare awards

The Kings Restaurant at East Sussex College, Eastbourne, is the venue for Raystede Centre For Animal Welfare’s upcoming Fundraiser of the Year awards

The event on Thursday 17th January will welcome up to 100 guests, awarding and celebrating the efforts of some of Raystede’s most successful fundraisers.

Raystede is a rescue centre and animal sanctuary based in Ringmer. As a charity they rely solely on donations, a lot of which are generated by fundraisers who do cake sales, marathons, abseiling, fun community events and much more. This event is being held to say thank you to all the people who have been passionate, daring and innovative to raise money for animals in need.

Raystede’s new CEO, Hilary Goldsmith, will be in attendance. She is keen to meet everyone and thank them for their hard work. Alongside Hilary will be Marc Abraham, more popularly known as Marc the Vet. The practicing vet, based in Brighton, is an active campaigner in promoting animal welfare and regularly features as a resident vet on the BBC. They will be joined on the night by Big Brother winner, Jason Burrill, who is a local businessman, animal lover and huge supporter of Raystede and their work.

Oliver Zecchin, joint manager of Kings Restaurant, alongside Laura Da Silva Henriques, says:

“We are excited to host Raystede’s awards ceremony. We have even crafted a special cocktail for the evening, the ‘Hawkins’, named after Raystede founder Miss Raymonde-Hawkins.”

Laura adds:

“Our Catering students are preparing a full vegan buffet for the evening, which is appropriate for ‘Veganuary’.”

East Sussex College’s Hospitality & Catering department named Raystede as their chosen charity to support this academic year, with money raised from dinners and special themed evenings going to the charity. Emma Hartup, Head of Curriculum (Hair & Beauty, Hospitality & Catering, Business, and Travel & Tourism) at East Sussex College, says:

“We are thrilled that our students have chosen to work alongside and support Raystede. It’s opened up so many opportunities for learners, not just in Hospitality and Catering, but across the entire College. We are excited to work with the charity this year and explore different ways to support each other.”