Help the Hungry: Our Christmas auction launches with once-in-a-lifetime gifts and experiences to tackle food poverty
A Swiss hotel get-away and VIP experiences are on the block as our charity auction raises funds to tackle food poverty, Abbianca Makoni writes
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Our campaign to tackle food poverty by supplying hot, nutritious meals to vulnerable people is set to be boosted by a charitable auction full of VIP experiences and luxury items.
This Christmas season, The Independent and The Evening Standard are sending out two fully equipped food trucks to serve delicious, chef-prepared food to those most in need. Through our Help the Hungry and Food for London Now campaigns, and in collaboration with our partner charities With Compassion and the Felix Project, we’ve already delivered almost 18 million meals. But we want to do more.
Readers now have the opportunity to bag an exciting range of once-in-a-lifetime gifts and experiences in our second online auction to raise funds to tackle the nation’s food crisis from a dinner for two at Mayfair landmark, Sartoria, to an unforgettable experience at the 19th century fairy-tale Swiss hotel, Chateau Gütsch. All proceeds raised will go towards our appeal.
The online auction goes live midday today and closes on December 17 at 7pm.
Fortnum and Mason’s “Monarch” Christmas Hamper
Regal luxury is up for grabs this Christmas with this lavish hamper. The winner will receive a package containing Fortnum’s signature Rosé Champagne, Sir Nigel’s Orange Marmalade Vodka, their famous Royal Blend Tea, salted caramel biscuits, chutneys and other treats. A classic glass teapot is also nestled within the hamper to ensure Christmas is done right.
Bidders will need to send over their name, address and telephone number to ensure delivery before Christmas.
Three nights in a Premier Suite at the Swiss hotel, Chateau Gütsch
This fairytale castle and Belle Epoque landmark overlooks the picturesque town of Lucerne in central Switzerland. An opulent bar and restaurant complement the classic-chic aesthetic. Half-board three-night stay in a suite for two people.
Flights and drinks not included. To be redeemed between July 1 and December 20 2021, hotel will offer the best suite available upon booking.
Exclusive meal cooked in your own home by top chef Chris Restrepo
Chef Chris Restrepo brings the unforgettable experience of Kurisu, his new yet already impossible-to-book boutique sushi venue, to your own home with a lavish, 18-course omakase journey for you and three others at the comfort of your home. Drinks not included.
Prize must be used within a year and winner needs to live in London
A dinner for six at the West London celebrity hangout, Laylow
Those dreaming of exquisite European food should bid for a dinner of six at the restaurant and access to its club straight after their meal. The highest bidder and up to five guests will also be given the choice of ordering Laylow’s Iberico pork pluma, chimichurri with tender leaves or roasted cep mushroom, celeriac & truffle walnut sauce. Recent guests have included David, Victoria and Brooklyn Beckham who recently hosted their Haig Club brand event there as well as Rihanna and Mick Jagger.
Roccbox Pizza Oven from Gozney
Enjoy unrivalled cooking results created by this portable restaurant-grade oven from Gozney – available in green or grey the oven is said to help you cook quality food in no time. The ‘Roccbox’ reaches 500 C and is engineered to replicate the performance of Gozney’s professional ovens which are used by top chefs across the world.
Dinner for Two at Sartoria with paired wine
A table for two at Mayfair landmark Sartoria, where award-winning chef Francesco Mazzei offers a gloriously decadent menu inspired by the traditions of his native Calabria. The winner and a friend will be served traditional Italian food from the restaurant’s acclaimed menu.
Sartoria is the only restaurant on Savile Row and heralds cutting design with a heated terrace, destination bar, cicchetti counter and a wine cellar.
VIP Experience at Joel Corry concert
The winner and a friend will bag a VIP experience at DJ and producer Joel Corry’s 2021 show. 2020 has been huge for Corry, whose song Head & Heart featuring MNEK spent the longest consecutive time at number one than any other this year. The fun-packed night will include two tickets, drinks and a meet and greet after the performance.
Dates for the show are to still be confirmed due to the pandemic.
100 per cent Mongolian cashmere woven blanket from Mayfair boutique N.Peal, Burlington Arcade
Silky, soft and incredibly warm, this cashmere blanket from knitwear designer N.Peal is the ultimate luxury home accessory and one lucky bidder will have the chance to win the finest and most versatile blanket in store. The woven cashmere which provides irresistible warmth will sit beautifully draped across a bed or sofa, handy to pull around yourself on colder days or can be worn as a shawl
The blanket can be collected in the boutique at Burlington Arcade or shipped to the recipient's address
A pair of dark brown Dolomite Hiking Boots by Italian luxury brand, Fabrizio Viti, Burlington Arcade
The hiking boot is stomper boot of the season. Handcrafted by artisans using techniques passed down over generations, the ornate boots have a personal touch and the assurance of quality that comes with the Made In Italy label. Set on a thick tread sole, the boots feature polished and durable croc-embossed calf leather and a contrasting leather ankle puff, topped off with a metallic daisy puller, a signature of Fabrizio's designs.
The pair of shoes can be sent to the recipient's address directly by the Burlington Arcade's boutique.
Private lunch with Evening Standard Editor, Emily Sheffield
Digital media entrepreneur, Vogue alum and newspaper editor Emily Sheffield is offering the chance to take a winning bidder for a tour of the newsroom and lunch in Kensington.
Burlington Arcade's boutique Carat*'s Petal necklace worth £2,100
An exclusive design created in collaboration with jewellery designer Pauline Revet, the Petal necklace features beautiful marquise shaped Gentle Diamonds set with a pear diamond in the centre, all set in 9k white gold. This flattering necklace is finished with an adjustable length chain of up to 45cm.
T&C: Winner may redeem at CARAT* London boutique in Burlington Arcade.
Our auction is powered by Givergy, an award-winning fundraising technology company which offers a range of cutting-edge platforms to help charities make more money at events and online.
Visit the website to purchase a lot: https://www.foodforlondon-auction.co.uk
This November and December we will be delivering food directly to 1,000 people a day through our partner With Compassion. Please donate here to help us do all we can to ensure no one goes hungry this Christmas.
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