New South Wales hoteliers have not lost sight of the true meaning of service as they joined forces at the Hotels Have Hearts Gala Dinner in aid of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

Almost 600 people attended the event on Thursday 6 June at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, with the event raising more than $850,000, a new record for the bi-annual event. The Hotels Have Hearts event has now raised $5.5 million since the first Gala Dinner.

“Hotels Have Hearts is a statement from the NSW hotel industry that we care, that we are prepared to give, that we believe in a society where those who can help, do so for those who are struggling to keep their heads above water,” said Kim Maloney OAM, Chairman, Hotels Have Hearts Committee.

“The record result from this year’s event is proof of what can be achieved when we all work together for an important cause. I am proud that the money raised will continue to go towards the critical work that Vinnies undertakes to encourage personal and community resilience by giving the homeless a hand up rather than a hand out.”

Founded in 2001 by a group of generous hoteliers who wanted to do more to help Sydney’s homeless, Hotels Have Hearts is one of NSW’s premier hospitality industry fundraising events, supported by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).

With $5.5 million raised through the Hotels Have Hearts Sydney event, funds have contributed to significant improvements to Vinnies’ Matthew Talbot Hostel including support for the home outreach service, medical equipment, as well as a training kitchen, computer laboratory and art studio. Past proceeds have also gone towards the refurbishment of the recreation and garden space at Vincentian House, an inner city service for women and families experiencing homelessness.

“The Hotels Have Hearts event was a great night and showcases the spirit of collaboration and generosity. The funds raised will allow us to continue to change the lives of those that need it the most,” says Yolanda Saiz, CEO Vinnies NSW.

Attendees included Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Anderson, Councillor HY William Chan and Councillor (Waskam) Emelda Davis.

The Hotels Have Hearts Committee includes Kim Maloney, OAM Maloney Hotel Corporation; Patrick Gallagher, Gallagher Hotels; John Ryan, Ryan’s Hotel Group; Danielle Richardson, Laundy Hotel Group; Martin Short, Welcome Hospitality; Jenny Farrell, Schwartz Family Co.; Stephen Harvey, Brickfield Hospitality Group.