The Big Table Group has announced that it will extend its partnership with children’s charity Dreams Come True into a third year, having raised more than £356,000 through fundraising activities across its restaurant estate.
The hospitality group, which operates brands including Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Banana Tree, Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito and Amalfi, raised £196,338 during the second year of the partnership, exceeding the £160,000 generated in its first year.
The company is the charity’s largest corporate partner, with fundraising supported by employees, customers and business partners across its more than 200 restaurants.
The second year of the partnership concluded with the Dream Makers Ball, hosted by actress and comedian Sally Phillips, which raised more than £80,000 towards the overall total.
The event brought together supporters and charity partners, with guests hearing from Dreams Come True ambassador and Paralympic gold medallist William Bayley MBE.
A family supported by the charity also shared their experience of receiving assistance during a challenging period.
Throughout the year, employees across The Big Table Group’s restaurants and Support Centre participated in fundraising activities, including the Peak District Ultra Challenge, a 100km walk, the National Three Peaks Challenge, skydiving, running and cycling events.
The Support Centre team also organised a fundraising scavenger hunt in London.
Additional initiatives included wine tasting at Amalfi, a Bar Clash Auction, sweepstakes, raffles and quizzes.
Restaurant teams also involved customers through seasonal fundraising activities, including Valentine’s Day rose sales and initiatives linked to Mother’s Day and Easter.
Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of The Big Table Group, said:
“To have raised more than £356,000 in just two years is a phenomenal achievement and something everyone across The Big Table Group should be incredibly proud of. Raising nearly £200,000 in our second year is testament to the extraordinary passion, creativity and generosity of our teams, partners and guests.
“From colleagues taking on incredible physical challenges to our restaurants finding imaginative ways to involve guests and local communities, the enthusiasm for Dreams Come True has been truly inspiring.
“Knowing the difference these funds make to children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges makes every fundraising effort worthwhile. We’re proud to play our part and to be continuing this fantastic partnership into a third year.”
Dreams Come True supports children aged five to 18 living with serious illnesses, disabilities or life-limiting conditions whose families are also experiencing poverty.
The charity provides individualised experiences and practical assistance, including specialist equipment, activities and family experiences designed to support children’s wellbeing.
Lisa King OBE, Chief Executive of Dreams Come True, said:
“For a child living with a serious illness or disability, a dream can bring joy when life feels especially difficult. The Big Table Group’s continued support helps us make these moments possible for children whose families are also facing poverty.
“We cannot thank The Big Table Group team enough for the time, energy and generosity they have given throughout this second year. The enthusiasm with which The Big Table Group has embraced our charity means so much to us and the families we support. This is quite literally a partnership that dreams are made from.”
With the third year of the partnership now underway, The Big Table Group and Dreams Come True have established a target of raising £500,000 across the first three years of their collaboration.
The company’s restaurant brands will continue supporting the charity through employee fundraising challenges, customer participation and in-restaurant activities.
The programme will involve The Big Table Group’s approximately 5,000 employees, with the business aiming to build on its existing fundraising total while continuing to support children and families across the UK.