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FoundationHighlights

Creating Brighter Futures for Young People


Registered Charity No. 1084220 (England and Wales) 038995 (Scotland) Edition 47- October 2012

Galvins Chance Graduation


With its panoramic views of London from the top of London Hilton on Park Lane, Galvin at Windows Restaurant and Bar was the special setting for a graduation ceremony with a difference. Young people from across the capital had successfully completed the Galvins Chance into-work programme, our charitable initiative which seeks to train and place young people in front-of-house roles in ne dining establishments. In 2011-12, 18 young people began the programme, which is delivered in partnership with The Springboard Charity and is aimed particularly at those who are deemed at-risk, who have been in trouble with the law or who face other barriers to employment. 14 young people successfully completed the training programme and found paid employment as a result - a success rate of 78%. Five of the young people additionally passed their NVQ Level II apprenticeship in Food and Drink at Westminster Kingsway College. Ten of the young people who had successfully graduated from Galvins Chance were in attendance to receive their certicates. For example, Ola Adeneji is now working at The Royal Automobile Club, a private members club, as a waiter. He had come to the programme through London Probation. Ola said,

Galvins Chance has changed my life for the better. I am enjoying my job and am really proud to have passed my apprenticeship. It was hard work but has been worth it!

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Photos (clockwise from left): Some of this years graduates from the Galvins Chance programme. Below: The graduates celebrated at Galvin at Windows restaurant and bar at London Hilton Park Lane. Fred Sirieix and Chris Galvin, who helped to establish Galvins chance came along to congratulate the young people on their achievements.

Debra Baker, his employer at the Royal Automobile Club, said, I

am proud of Ola who has done brilliantly with us so far. He delivers great customer service and our members like and respond well to him. We were delighted that Ola also passed his apprenticeship as part of the programme and gained his NVQ Level II qualication. I think Galvins Chance is an important programme for our industry and I encourage other employers to offer placements.

The ceremony featured a special Galvins Chance branded cake, kindly donated by Eric Lanlard and his company The Cakeboy, which the graduates and supporters greatly enjoyed sampling. Chris Galvin, Chef Patron and Fred Sirieix, General Manager of Galvin at Windows led the celebration and congratulated the young people on their hard work and success. Galvin and Sirieix have been the driving forces behind the programme and will be overseeing the next phase of the programmes development, as Galvins Chance aims to expand to Edinburgh with the opening of the new Galvins restaurant Pompadour at The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

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Rumble in the Kitchen

Left: Some of the boxers trained at AllStars Boxing Gym, also a charity that helps teach young people the discipline required for boxing. Right: Two Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing celebrates his win over Fred Sirieix with his children.

Rumble in the Kitchen was held at the Royal Automobile Club on September 20th. 22 chefs and personalities from the hospitality world stepped in the ring to raise funds and awareness for charitable into-work programme for young people, Galvins Chance. Two Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur Marcus Wareing, appeared on BBC1s Saturday Kitchen on 30th June and talked about his involvement in the event:

dont envy anyone going three rounds with Monica! Chef Roux and Chef Raymond Blanc were among 220 guests spectating the matches while their restaurant teams served up some of the best Michelin-starred food alongside the kitchens of Bar Boulud, The Ledbury, Galvin Restaurants and the Royal Automobile Club. Hosting the evening was Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster and BBC Radio 4s Nigel Barden. With special appearances from World boxing champion David Haye with his trainer Adam Booth. Clinton McKenzie, former British light welterweight champion was present to cheer on the boxers, whom he has trained over the last few months. Other celebrities from the world of sport included former England footballer Graeme Le Saux, and current England Rugby Union stars James Haskell and Paul Doran Jones. Joe Ryan, Director of Aura Mayfair, generously hosted a live-stream viewing of the ght in their nearby

nightclub as well as an after-party. Emile The Galvinator Galvin, who prevailed over Joe Aura Assassin Ryan in the opening bout, said:The

experience has been inspirational. From training with Clinton, through to bringing it all together tonight, for such a great cause, is fantastic.
All the competitors had built up a friendly camaraderie and this showed through the mutual respect shown amongst the opponents. Paulo Rocky De Tarso of Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental said, of his bout with Hayden Groves of Baxter Storey, The whole process has been so rewarding; I have learned about the discipline needed in boxing and have massive respect for the sport. This special event has so far raised over 55,000 net for Galvins Chance. Special thanks go to our boxers and all our sponsors who helped keep costs to a minimum by donating their time and goods.

Its great to feel young again doing something like this! Theres been a lot of nervousness in the lead up to tonight. Rumble in the Kitchen has been one of the best charity events Ive done. Its been a great experience and in aid of a wonderful cause.
Michel Roux Jr, who was supporting Monica Galetti, his senior sous-chef at Le Gavroche, said: Theyve all been brilliant - I

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Case Study: Lawrence


HCF has been helping support children with autism through charity partner Children on the Autistic Spectrum Young Peoples Project (CATSYPP). As part of the Hilton Reading 10K Giveaway, a grant of 523.98 was made to the Berkshire-based charity to purchase video equipment for help with recording and sharing progress achieved. CATSYPP runs after-school clubs and summer camps for children, throughout Berkshire, who have a diagnosis of high-functioning autism or Aspergers Syndrome. Individuals with autism have lifelong problems with social communication and interaction. As a result they tend to make few friends, can be targeted for bulllying at school and struggle to have a fullling social life or hold down a job in adulthood. To address these issues, CATSYPP teaches social and communication methods to help members meet new people, partake in new social and leisure opportunities and most importantly practise key life-skills.

Lawrence, 11

Photo above: Lawrence now gets a great balance of fun and development.

My son was diagnosed with autism when he was four. He is an intelligent and thoughtful boy who is physically able, but has a severe speech and language disorder along with his autism. For a long time I struggled to nd an out of school activity for him where he would be able to engage and take part fully. After school he was alone with me at home, growing aware that other children his age were doing lots of activities. I wanted an activity that could cope with and understand his autism and special language needs but also understand the need to stretch him and help him develop social skills. I wanted my son to have fun, gain condence and develop skills to help him reach his potential in life. Why not? That is what nonautistic children get from their out of school activities! I nally found something perfect in the form of CATSYPP. It is a youth club for children and young people with high functioning ASD that places emphasis on teaching and enforcing life skills throughout its programme. It is an incredible and unique group. The staff are fabulous and have the skills and enthusiasm to understand my son and bring him into the group. He gets a great balance of fun and development. I love the look on his face when he tells me about what he has done at club and his interactions with other children. He and his disabilities are understood at CATSYPP but it is his potential that is appreciated and the focus of the staff. My sons condence has grown as a result of CATSYPP. He is proud to go to his youth club and do something other children enjoy. He feels safe and understood there and as a result is willing to try more and more things. Case study shared by Christine Roscoe, Lawrences mother.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Leeds Superheroes

Photo above: A group of costumed participants celebrate reaching the end of Emilys Big Walk to fundraise for Candelighters. Photos on the right: More participants posing with Ronnie the Rhino, the mascot of Leeds rugby team, who led the walk. Below: Poster promoting the superhero themed walk.

60 team members from Hilton Leeds City supported staff from their local childrens cancer charity partner Candlelighters. Together with young patients, they participated in Emilys Big Walk on 9th September. This nationwide event raises funds for local cancer centres and charities. The walk takes its name from Emily Bailes, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of ve in March 2004 and sadly lost her battle with the disease on 8th March 2008. The sun was shining for the Leeds leg of Emilys Big Walk, and with a superhero theme, most participants dressed up. Starting at the hotel with Foundation Champion, Janet McAteer and Ronnie the Rhino,

the ofcial mascot of the Leeds rugby team, leading the way, a 3km stroll around the city centre was enjoyed by all and they received lots of attention in their costumes. The walk nished at the hotel where everyone picked up a goody bag and enjoyed a post-walk party with food provided by the hotel. Entertainment included face painting, balloon modelling and professional photographs with the Olympic torch. The nale for the afternoon was the Superheroes competition for the children. Janet said:

boys James, age 5, told me about his best friend Harry who wanted to take part in the walk but was not well enough as he was undergoing treatment in the hospital. So, Id like to give a special mention to him and hope that he is feeling better soon. It is hearing stories and meeting people like this that make the walks so worthwhile and should inspire everyone to continue the ght against childhood cancer.

I met lots of very special and inspiring people during the day. One of the

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Reasons to run
Tom McDermott, General Manager at Hilton London Docklands Riverside, has recently been doing a series of challenge events to raise money for Hilton in the Community Foundation. He participated in an Ultra Duathlon in Richmond Park on 9th September, which consisted of a 20km run followed by a 80km cycle and a 10km run. He completed the total distance of 110 kilometres in Pictures above: Tom McDermott pushed himself to his limits for charity 6h 14 mins. Tom also participated in The Great North Run half marathon on 16th September. So far he has raised over 700 in support of HCF and nominated causes Debra and Make a Wish Foundation. Tom, whose site www.justgiving.com/Tom-McDermott1 is still collecting donations, says:

I have a cousin whose daughter, Amy, is very ill and is awaiting a new kidney. She is just 6 years old and the prognosis for her is very grim. No amount of money can really help her so the only thing that anyone can do is to make sure that she experiences life to the fullest while she waits for a new organ. She has been helped by the Make a Wish Foundation which gave her a bedroom makeover which she loved so I would like any money that I raise to go to help children like her.
Tom told us the great news last week that they have found a matching kidney donor for Amy. We wish her and her family all the best for the coming months.

Busy month for Hilton Cobham

On Tuesday 25th September, team members from Hilton Cobham attended the nearby Jigsaw School which caters for children with autism. As well as presenting 240 from their Around the World in a Day event, there was also the opportunity to handover 10,000 which was donated by the Foundation to support the creation of the Jigsaw Caf, which will train and provide work experience for older young people with autism to prepare them for the workplace and independent living.
Pictured left, Hotel Manager Dean Rigby, third from left Deborah Richards and right, Laura Harris from Hilton Cobham, with young people from Jigsaw School accepting the cheque for 10,000.

Something to Share?
Please send your photos and community stories to comms@hilton-foundation.org.uk by 25th October to have a chance of being featured in the next months issue. Thank you.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Kenyan children benet


Colleagues at Hilton Avisford Park contributed a sponsored grant to Chichester High School for Boys, to enable a class of sixth form pupils to attend a special trip to Kenya in July, where they helped with building work of two classrooms and teaching in a school. The classrooms are constructed of wood and corrugated metal and took teamwork to complete, under the guidance of local craftsmen. The students took with them toys and items to distribute, including some HCF t-shirts. There was a long, patient queue of children and it was strictly monitored so that each child was presented with one item. Charles, 17, one of the boys who attended the trip said:

Kenya was without a doubt the best and most worthwhile thing Ive ever done. Everyone who went had a real eye opener and came to appreciate what they had back home a lot more! However, we feel there is unnished business and work still to be done. For this reason we are hopefully going back next year. Just the most rewarding thing anyone can do.

Top photo: Charles teaching a class of children in Kenya. Above left photo: Students from Chichester High School for Boys also helped to build two classrooms. The students also bought toys and t-shirts for the children. Above right: One of the children wearing his new Hilton in the Community Foundation t-shirt.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Dam tot Dam Loop


Two teams from Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen ran two different distances for the Dam tot Dam Loop race on 23rd September. One team ran 10 miles and the other 4 miles. 50,000 competitors take part annually, making Dam tot Dam one of the biggest running events in the world. Through the event, team members supported local charity Stichting de Regenboogboom, which helps sick children undergoing hospital treatment.

Recycling has wider benet


During the past few weeks, all computer workstations at Hilton Frankfurt were equipped with new screens. Since the old ones were still in a good condition, the hotel offered them to team members and their families for a reduced price to help a good cause. The drive raised 590 that were donated to Deutsche Kinderschutzbund Frankfurt e.V. which provides therapy and support for disadvantaged children. The hotel is now looking forward to hosting a group of young people between the ages of 16-20 years old for a visit and information session about internships and careers in the hotel industry in October with the help of partner organisation, ASB Lehrerkooperative karittischer Wohlfahrtsverband Hessen (ASB teachers corporation charitable association Hesse).

Dubai reaches out


Nelia Lacar, one of the team members from the Philippines working at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, organised a really touching activity on her holiday break. She requested some old merchandise from the hotel (t-shirts and childrens backpacks) and sent them along with rice, noodles and canned foods that she had purchased herself back home to the Philippines. Through some former classmates she found a government charity organisation that could connect her with families in need and she delivered the items to them directly. Emily McGuire, Communications Manager, asked Nelia how she came up with the idea and Nelia in turn responded that it was volunteer activities that she had participated in through the hotels corporate responsibility initiatives that had sparked the idea.

Photo above: The village in the Philippines benefitted from Neilia Lacars generosity and were happy to receive the food, bags and tshirts that Lacar had collected and donated with the help of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Left: The local people were very happy to receive the donations that Lacar had helped organise.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Hilton Warsaw joins rat race


On 8th September team members from Hilton Warsaw Hotel & Convention Centre supported the Sue Ryder Foundation for a second year by participating in its Rat Race event. Each participating team of four is asked to make a donation of 100 and then participates in a 3.5km race wearing their work outts. The hotel had four teams participating from the kitchen, front ofce, housekeeping and administration departments. Former PR & Marketing Manager and Foundation Champion, Monika Mikulska-Guzniczak, said:

Hilton Warsaw team before the Rat Race.

All teams completed the run and had lots of fun doing so.
A special thank you to Monika for her dedicated service to the Foundation. We wish her all the best in all her future endeavours. As well as Sue Ryder Foundation, the hotel has raised funds for the Foundation for Corporate Responsibility, for its Hot Meals programme, serving underprivileged children across Poland.

Team members running the Rat Race

Head Chef Andrew runs for charity


Well done to Andrew Boulton, Head Chef at Hilton Shefeld, who nished the Great Yorkshire Run on 2nd September ranked 764th with a time of 50:24 minutes. Over 6,000 people took part. Andrew has so far raised 898 for HCF. He said:

It was a fantastic event, even the sun came out (it was way too hot!!!). Im really chuffed with my effort as I trained 5 days a week for 8 months, losing over 2 stone in the process.

Andrew Boulton proudly displays his finishers medal at the Great Yorkshire Run

Did you know?


Thanks to everybodys hard work fundraising, so far in 2012 we have been able to donate 800,192 in 367 grants to 304 different childrens charities and organisations supporting disadvantaged young people. Thanks to continued support from the business, every net penny really counts. Thank you for your ongoing efforts.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Wilderness inspires youth


Homeless young people are one of the target groups that HCF helps through its central grant giving. One example of this support in action is HCF charity partner, Venture Trust, which supports young people aged 16-19 in Scotland who have chaotic lifestyles or who are experiencing difculties. HCF was delighted to support Venture Trust with funding of 14,005 for their Inspiring Young Futures programme, specically to fund transport costs. The programme helps young care leavers, like Summer, who are at risk of homelessness due to their history of being in care. Originally from Edinburgh, Summer spent most of her teenage years in care in England. When I was a teenager, I think thats when my troubles began. I was living in childrens units. People think that kids in the care system will never make anything of themselves they think they must be bad people. I was taking drugs, self harming all kinds of things. Noone helped me. At 16, Summer left care and returned to Edinburgh determined to stay drug free, avoid negative behaviour and to rebuild the relationships that were important to her. She found it difcult to stick to her goals, and was soon hanging around old haunts, displaying some worrying behaviour. She was referred to Venture Trust where she was assigned her own one-to-one worker. Summer persisted with her development and she was soon

Summer, above, hopes to use her skills to help children who have been through difficult pasts. Left: the mobile unit which HCF has helped to fund with a central grant

ready to take part in a Venture Trust wilderness expedition; an intensive opportunity to focus on learning new skills far away from the complications of her everyday situation. It gave her the motivation to work towards her dream of becoming an outdoor instructor, and helped her develop the skills she needs to cope when she is at home.

enjoying what I was doing and I realised there was more to life than taking drugs, and that I could use my experiences to help other people. Summer has been undertaking a volunteer placement in India. On returning, she is determined to continue working toward her dream of working in the outdoors with other young people whove been through difcult pasts. I realised I can show my experience to other people and help them to change their lives like I changed mine. I can give other people support and help them to make a difference. Ive done it all and I can say to people you dont need to do that.

I promised to work hard and stay away from trouble, and if I give someone my word Im not the sort of person who goes back on that.
I got lots of one-to-one support, and spent all my time outdoors. I climbed, canoed, kayaked, and went on expeditions. I was

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Waldorf Astoria Berlin simply sensetional


Team members from the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Berlin had a fantastic time during their Simply Sensetional event on 18th September. It only took them 45 minutes to raise a fantastic 404.73. The money will be donated to KuB Kontakt- und Beratungsstelle, which is a member of Berliner Notdienst Kinderschutz, an organisation which helps young homeless people, living on the streets of Berlin, to get a chance at a better life. Some of the activities the organisation provides include: sleep in complimentary lodging; providing groceries, toiletries and clothes; health care; and providing signposting for additional support; and making contact with parents. After an introduction to the work of the charity, team members divided into 10 groups of 3-5 members each. Each group received a basket of apples, some yers and a city map with their designated territory to canvass. All 10 territories were located around the hotel. Each group was asked to go out and collect as many donations as possible. After 45 minutes each group returned to the ofce and the Finance team checked all cash collected. Simply Sensetional is Waldorf Astorias internal motto to motivate and share its philosophy with team members. Every letter of the world sensetional, purposefully misspelled to represent the word sense, shares the unqiue Waldorf

Pictured left-right: Ahlisha Kalkhoff, Apprentice, Anna-Lena Krner, Library Agent, and Sabine Rckert, Seamstress

Astoria culture. Team members were excited to plan and execute their rst event focusing on the value of service.

Chairs get second use


When hotels undergo refurbishments they may nd themselves with excess or unwanted stock which can benet local good causes. Hilton Zurich Airport donated 30 dining chairs to Sozialwerke Sieber, a charity that works with homeless people. Michael Reinhardt, General Manager, said:

Dundee Correction
The September issue of highlights reported incorrect gures raised by Hilton Dundee / St. Andrews Coast. Team members at the hotel had raised a brilliant total of 1,219.50 during its Pamper Day and a fantastic 3,791 during its Corporate Evening. Thank you everybody!

The chairs were received with great joy and gratitude.


The photo shows (from left to right): the Finance Manager of Hilton Zurich Airport, Heinz Buechel; Christoph Zingg, Managing Director of Sozialwerke Sieber and General Manager of Hilton Zurich Airport, Michael Reinhardt.

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Paralympics visit brings joy to Active 8 members


A central grant of 780 was made by the Foundation to a small club in Truro, Cornwall, to help with transport costs to enable a group of young disabled people to attend the Paraylmpic Games in London. Trustee Liz Olive said: The

atmosphere at the events was wonderful and the young people have watched and become interested in sports other than football! One of our group is really good at riding and we watched the equestrian dressage event together all day; he is now aiming for Rio and knows just how good he has to get!

Liz advised that some of the other young people are trying wheelchair tennis and basketball, things they have never wanted to do; now theyve learned to respect disabled athletes, just as the whole country was learning to do. Emma, who says she is not sporty by any standards, came mainly to see London but found the Paralympics swimming enthralling.

Just when I believed the atmosphere couldnt get any better, Team GB was in the running for a gold Medal. I instantly sat up, began waving my ag frantically, and started screaming Go GB Go!! as loud as I could manage. I didnt care that I was losing my voice! It was like having ants in my pants, I could not keep still! Letting the elation and joy consume me, as it did with the crowd, right there in that moment, I realised how privileged I was to have witnessed and been part of celebrations of such extraordinary individuals winning the gold for us. Well done Paralympics GB you sure did us proud! I will remember Children and young people from Active 8 visit the Paralympics in London and find inspiration through different sports. this experience forever.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Golf days hit the mark


Hilton Templepatrick hotel and country club played host to Hilton Northern Irelands annual charity golf day and what a successful day it was. Almost 30 golf teams teed up on a windy but sunny day in order to help raise vital funds for HCF and childrens charities across northern Ireland. Players were treated to goody bags, on course hospitality and a VIP drinks reception followed by a gala dinner entertainment and prize giving as well as an auction.
Above: professional golfer at Hilton Templepatrick Eamon Logue, with local figures Gene Fitzpatrick and Seamus McPeake launched the next Northern Ireland 10K Giveaway event with funds raised at the annual charity golf day.

Maidstone rocks out


Hilton Maidstone held a Glastonbury event, inspired by the world famous music festival. The night was supported by four local bands who entertained the staff and guests with fantastic live music. To the delight of the hotel team members, the rst band on stage was that of the hotel maintenance manager Chris Birch. The event was attended by the hotels two local nominated charities, Maidstone United Raiders Football Team and the Meningitis Trust.

The event raised over 15,000 and both hotels in northern Ireland have teamed up with media partner Sunday Life in a 10K Giveaway to distribute the funds, which will run for three weeks starting in October. Hilton Belfast and Hilton Templepatrick team members work tirelessly each year to raise funds for the Foundation. Mark Walker Area General Manager said:

There are many super charities which need our help and our colleagues here are passionate about reaching out to the local community and supporting projects which will add value to childrens lives.
Also held in September, Hilton London Wembley hosted their rst charity Golf day at nearby Sudbury Golf Club. The day featured 18 holes of golf, with 14 teams taking part, mainly from local businesses and clients of the hotel. Priti Sachdev, Champion at the hotel and event organiser said:

Epic Scottish cycle


Congratulations to LivingWell Health Club managers Richard Sims of Hilton Glasgow and David Robb of Hilton Strathclyde, who joined Stephen Keiss and Stephen Hogarth of BP and Michael Martin of Aqua Leisure on a special cycling challenge from John OGroats in the northernmost tip of Scotland to Glasgow. The intrepid cyclists were raising funds for HCF and Blue Triangle Housing Association, which supports young homeless people.

It was a glorious day much enjoyed by all. We held a dinner, auction, rafe and golng awards back at Hilton London Wembley. The winning team was Wembley City Estate Management Ltd - congratulations to them!.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Ducks warm hearts in Finland


Last year, the hotels in Finland, Hilton Helsinki Strand, Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa and Hilton Helsinki Vantaa Airport, raised Eur 2,200 from selling Ducks for Change to guests. This was donated to Icehearts Ry, which undertakes preventative welfare work and diversionary activities for children in school and after school. Maiju Nevaluoma, community Champion at Helsinki Kalastajatorppa said:

Social media and employability


The team at recently opened Hilton Wembley has set to work supporting the local community. Slenky is a social platform connecting 13-24 year olds with jobs, apprenticeships, internships, training, sports, competitions and events. 24 young people came to the hotel to explore social media and its potential impact on young peoples futures. The winners (pictured) had to think creatively and create and present a marketing campaign around how a brand could partner with Slenky to provide opportunities for young people. As a result of their winning group work, four young people decided to enjoy their prize of a meal at the hotel together particularly nice as they didnt all know each other at the start.

Ducks for Change is such a novel way for us to engage with and raise funds for the community. The ducks are a fun and colourful product; the guests love them and especially like to buy them for their children. With the Ducks for Change funds raised for the Foundations activities here in Helsinki, we were pleased to support Icehearts, for their promotion of child welfare, which is delivered through inclusive sports in schools and free time.

Children from charity Icehearts accept a Ducks for Change donation of 2,200 from the Hilton hotels in Finland.

Christmas quackers
We are pleased to announce that our 2012 edition of Festive Ducks are now available for you to pre-order! Similar to last year, there will be three different duck characters in a set of three: a Santa duck, a Christmas Tree duck and a Snowman duck. The ducks will be sold to guests at 5/6 per set and your minimum order is 100 sets. They will be delivered to you by Sysco Guest Supply. We are expecting the ducks to be ready for delivery by late October. Last years festive ducks were so popular that we ran out of stock well before Christmas, so get your orders in.

We recognise the need to ensure young people have access to opportunities and training so they obtain the necessary skills to make them attractive in a global marketplace.
Ben Bengougam HR Vice President, Hilton Worldwide

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Supporting children and young people with meningitis


Through its last central grant funding round, HCF has awarded a grant of 10,000 to the Meningitis Trust, which is the only meningitis charity in the UK dedicated to providing life-long support for anyone who has been affected by the impact of meningitis. The charity provides emotional and practical support including a 24-hour helpline, professional counselling, nancial support grants, visits and tailored therapy. Many children and young people are left suffering with devastating, life-long disabilities as a result of meningitis. Brain damage, hearing and sight loss, severe scarring and limb-loss are some of the more serious after-effects, whilst others are left to cope with debilitating learning difculties, mental health problems and long-term emotional issues. These after-effects create a massive impact on children,

affecting their ability to socialise, progress academically and go on to lead happy lives. In some cases, children are left to care for a sibling, or parent who has had the disease, or are left emotionally traumatised by the loss of a loved one. All of these outcomes can seriously impact a childs quality of life and change their future, isolating them from school. The 10,000 grant will help towards educational support grants, aiding approximately 11 children. The grants may help purchase items such as an iPad or a laptop with special communication software, gym equipment to enable new physical goals to be reached, an adapted tricycle suited to a child with limbloss or an adapted car seat or wheelchair, to enable participation. Every grant is different but helps the child and family cope at a difcult time and helps them to rebuild their lives.

Noah, 7
Following his meningitis, Noah suffers with behavioural issues, in addition to hearing, eyesight, and balance difculties. Noah has been supported to receive Audio Visual Therapy sessions, following the operation he had to have cochlear implants tted. Noah gets frustrated not being able to do the same as his peers. The sessions he attends help to facilitate a better understanding of the things Noah nds difcult or stressful, in turn, helping to reduce his feelings of anxiety, and enabling him to focus on, and develop his reading skills.

Jay, 9
Jay suffered greatly at the hands of meningitis at just 16 months old. The disease damaged his brain, leaving him with multiple lifelong after-effects, including sight impairment, mobility difculties, and severe learning and behavioural difculties. Jay has been able to access several grants through the Trusts nancial support grant programme, one of which has paid for a touch screen computer and supporting educational software. Jay has benetted greatly from this grant. It has enabled him to build upon the skills he has learnt through the use of similar equipment at school and continue his learning at home. This has made a world of difference to Jays personal development, with his parents reporting a signicant improvement in his communication skills. He is now using a wider vocabulary and has been linking more words together. The programmes within the software are enabling Jay to broaden his learning and focus on a range of skill areas so he can continue to make good progress.

Jay now uses a touch screen computer to enghance his communication skills.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Lauren, 11
Lauren suffered permanent meningitis after-effects, including brain damage, hearing loss in one ear and cerebral palsy, after contracting the disease when she was just six weeks old. This left her with speech and mobility difculties. Following a grant for a special needs tricycle, Lauren developed an enormous enthusiasm for cycling, and, within two years, went on to become one of the top 10 road racers in the UK, within her age category. Lauren has deed the doctors who said she would never be able to ride a normal bike and is now riding each and every week. Her mobility has improved massively and the increase in condence and self-esteem that she has gained from receiving the grant, as well as the physical benets, is clear for all to see. Recently Lauren had a dream come true when she met and cycled with multi-Gold medal Olympic cyclist, Sir Chris Hoy.

Be informed: How to spot the signs of meningitis


It is important to remember you cant vaccinate against all types of meningitis. Here is the advice from Menigitis Trust: Remain vigilant to all the signs. The early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. These can often look like other more common illnesses like u. Trust your instincts. You know your child, a loved one, or your own body, better than anyone else. If you think it is meningitis, say so. Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them. Make sure your family and friends know the signs and symptoms too. Dont wait for a rash before seeking medical help. It may appear to late or not at all.

www.meningitis-trust.org has more information about meningitis and the help available.

www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

Guests at the Top Hat theatre-dinner included HCF Patron Christopher Biggins (top second from left), Joan Collins (top third from left and above), Tom Chambers (far left), Barbara Windsor (centre) and the cast of Jersey Boys (top right), kindly donated by Julian Stoneman.

Stars come out as Waldorf puts on its Top Hat


The Palm Court at The Waldorf Hilton in London was the setting for a special star-studded fundraising theatre-dinner event on Thursday 27th September. 150 guests attended, including stars of stage and screen, Joan Collins and Barbara Windsor, enjoying the West End show Top Hat in the nearby Aldwych Theatre. Top Hat is set in the 1930s and is a celebration of dance, telling the story of the irrepressible Broadway sensation Jerry Travers (played by Tom Chambers) who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society model Dale Tremont (played by Summer Strallen). Top Hat is packed full of Irving Berlins greatest hits, such as Lets Face the Music and Dance, Cheek to Cheek and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, stunning tap, romantic ballroom and a little bit of Busby Berkeley thrown in for good measure. Star of the production Tom Chambers, winner of BBC1s Strictly Come Dancing, joined the champagne reception as well as the post-show dinner at the hotel. A Live Auction was led by HCF Patron Christopher Biggins and included a special donation of jewellery from Joan Collins. A special after dinner performance was also given in Palm Court by Jersey Boys, another West End hit.

event was a great triumph! Our guests had a wonderful time and I am very grateful to Peter Beckwith and his team at The Waldorf for hosting, our generous donors who provided prizes and entertainment, our guests who supported the evening and our volunteers for helping ensure everything ran smoothly.
HCF is also grateful to Dame Maureen Thomas for her dedication and leadership and Trustee Billy Differ for all his help and generous support with this event. The Top Hat dinner, which has raised in excess of 25,000, was held in aid of HCF and Masterclass, which is the charitable trust of Theatre Royal Haymarket. Masterclass provides unique offering of masterclasses, apprenticeships, performance and creative experiences and industry knowledge. Since its launch in 1998 Masterclass has offered over 60,000 free opportunities to young people aged 1430.

Dame Maureen Thomas, HCFs Deputy Chairman who coordinated the event said: The

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Small Change Big Difference


153 hotels across the Europe region will be participating in the 2012 Small Change, Big Difference campaign. Now in its 9th year, SCBD invites guests to donate an optional 1 or 1 when they stay. This nominal donation adds up to make a huge total. So far, over 1.06 million (1.27 million) has been given to some fantastic causes thanks to the generosity of Hilton Worldwides guests. Starting this week, the campaign will run for three months and nish on New Years Eve 2012. The achievable aim is for each hotel to raise 5 per room, to reect the size of different properties. example, in the UK The Childrens Heart Federation was able to purchase 50 portable monitors to help children with heart conditions monitor their symptoms and save unnecessary hospital visits. In Austria, the charity Sterntalerhof has been able to provide restorative horse therapy to children with life-limiting conditions, while in Ireland the ISPCC Childline service was supported to offer 24hour counselling service to children and young people needing help. In Germany and Switzerland, the Special Olympics charity received support to offer its comprehensive menu of sports to young people with disabilities. In Romania, United Way Romania was able to help long-term hospitalised children with entertainment and support, thanks to guests donating during the campaign. Hotels have been busy nominating charities to receive support from the 2012 campaign, usually on a country-by-country basis. For example, Hilton Malta has nominated Inspire to receive help from the funds it raises. The charity supports children with severe physical disabilities and provides therapy and practical support, including a multi-sensory room. Colleagues in our Turkish properties are also participating in a local version of Small Change Big Difference. Money raised in all properties across Turkey benets the Red Crescent Society. TRL 4971,50 (around 2,260) was already raised in just one month. Best of luck to all the participating hotels and thank you especially to our Front Ofce teams for making Small Change, Big Difference happen.

How will Small Change make a Big Difference?


Already 78 different childrens charities and organisations have beneted from the Small Change Big Difference campaign. For

Hilton Malta has supported INSPIRE through Small Change, Big Difference to help provide therapy and support for disabled and life-limited children.

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Its a knockout in Malta

In addition to supporting the charity through its Small Change, Big Difference campaign, Hilton Malta has selected the local foundation Inspire to receive support through a number of different initiatives. Inspire is the creation of two leading non-governmental organisations working within the disability sector in the Maltese Islands, which are the Eden Foundation and the Razzett tal-Hbiberija (Park of Friendship). Through their services, Inspire reaches out to over 1,000 children and adults with learning and physical disabilities across their ve centres in islands of Malta and Gozo. Hilton Malta recently delivered its annual sports Its a knock out event, which involves team members competing against other hotels in a number of team-building activities, as well as ongoing sports tournaments. The hotels continued partnership with Inspire is brought about by the charitys continuous efforts to offer the support to all those families who are in need of assistance. Earlier this year, Hilton Malta combined its annual management team-building activity with community relations when a total of 9,200 was raised for Inspire during an entrepreneurship exercise themed around The Apprentice.

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Blackpool rocks
The team at Hilton Blackpool, led by Foundation Champion Karen Oldroyd, organised their annual Illuminations Half Marathon and 10k Run in aid of Hilton in the Community Foundation on the rst weekend of September. Over 1,000 runners from all over the UK descended to Blackpool Promenade for the two races which formed the Illuminations running weekend. With the event the hotel will be supporting the work of their long-term charity partners Brian House Children's Hospice, Donna's Dream House and Progress Recruitment.

Light up the Lighthouse Ball


Hilton Watford held their Light Up the Light House Ball on 21st September in partnership with the Starfish & Safari Ward of West Hertfordshire Hospital. Charity supporters, business contacts and local residents gathered together at the hotel to enjoy the delicious food and drink - sponsored by 4Degrees, Brakes, Classic Catering, Direct Seafood and Waverley - and to try their luck in the rafe and to bid for fabulous prizes in the live auction. Early indications show that the event raised approximately 8,000 which will be split between HCF and the Starfish & Safari Ward. Well done everybody, and thank you.

It went brilliantly, we had about 300 runners for the 10K and 700 for the half marathon so 1,000 runners all in all. The grassed area did well as a car park, raising about 400 and offering showers after the races raised 100 so it all mounts up.
A big thank you to all volunteers, Fylde Coast Running and medal sponsor S&S Timber Supplies of Blackpool who have helped the hotel to raise as much as possible for charity.

This good looking bunch of puppies is the latest funded by by HCFs support to Dogs for the Disabled, which trains and places assistance dogs with disabled children and young people, including those suffering from physical disabilities and learning disabilities such as autism. Pictured are Ramzi, Roma, Romo, Rio and Ringo. Aww!

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In September, team members from Hilton Leeds City participated in a superhero themed charity walk to raise money for their local nominated charity partner, Candelighters.

Upcoming October events for your diary


Wednesday 3rd October Thursday 4th October Friday 5th October Saturday 6th October Saturday 13th October Friday 19th October Friday 26th October Saturday 27th October Saturday 27th October Wednesday 31st October Hilton Dusseldorf Hilton Family Fest Hilton Swindon Quiz Night Hilton Bracknell Swimathon Hilton Avisford Park, Arundel Venetian Masked Ball Hilton Manchester Deansgate Star Ball Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Girls Up Town Ball Hilton Copenhagen Airport LittleBigHelp Event Hilton Liverpool Star Ball Hilton Berlin Laughing Hearts e.V. Charity Ball Hilton Swindon Murder Mystery Spook Night

If you have any other events not listed above - do tell us! Thanks and best of luck with all of your Foundation activitites.

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