FUNDRAISING was left to lady luck as a college transformed itself into a charity casino to raise funds for a popular cause.
Darlington College staff brought a touch of Las Vegas to its Glasshouse restaurant in support of St Teresa’s Hospice.
Local businesses, including staff from hotels, were asked to spin the roulette wheel and place their bets, take to the card table and go ‘higher or lower’, using ‘funny money’ to beat the odds.
Catering tutors and students prepared and served a feast of canapes while guests enjoyed the activities and shopped from a display of calendars, Christmas cards and natural therapies prepared by hospice specialists and used by patients, including essential oils, burns gel, soothing fragrances and room and pillow sprays.
Hospice fundraising and marketing manager John Paul Stabler said: “We work closely with the college on a range of matters, from fundraising to apprenticeships, and were thrilled when they offered to stage an event like this.
“As well as raising much needed proceeds, it also allows us to spread the word about the work of the Darlington and District Hospice movement.”
Darlington College marketing and engagement manager Claire Turner added: “We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community and were only too pleased to support such a great cause as St Teresa’s Hospice. It does a fantastic job with the people of Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire, from where we draw our students, helping patients and their families at their time of greatest need.”
For more information on opportunities with both organisations visit www.darlington.ac.uk and www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk.