The Manchester office of national law firm, Shoosmiths has raised more than £77,000 for the Tim Bacon Foundation, after taking over one of the city's leading restaurants in a first-of-its-kind charity event.
Shoosmiths staged the take-over of Australasia restaurant on Thursday 21 September as part of 'Dream The Impossible', an unprecedented event organised by Living Ventures Group, one of the UK's leading restaurant and bar operators.
In Manchester's first ever city-wide banquet, eight Living Ventures venues staged a simultaneous dining experience for more than 1,000 people. The fund-raising campaign was set up in memory of award-winning leisure entrepreneur, Tim Bacon, who died in 2016. Under the Living Ventures umbrella, Tim created highly successful brands including Gusto, The Oast House, Botanist, Blackhouse Grills, The Alchemist, Artisan, Australasia, Manchester House, Grand Pacific and the Living Room.
Shoosmiths guests enjoyed a VIP drinks reception and three course dinner at Australasia. They were also invited to take part in a charity auction, where sought after items included two signed Manchester City shirts that raised over £2000.The firm donated all funds raised by ticket sales to Dream the Impossible, helping the charity campaign to exceed its half a million pound fund raising target. Money raised by the campaign will go towards the Tim Bacon Foundation's inaugural appeal for Christie's Proton Beam Therapy project and Maggie's Centres, who provide much needed care for cancer patients and their loved ones.
Following dinner, Shoosmiths guests joined diners from the seven other participating venues at an after party held at Manchester's Albert Hall, which was headlined by singing superstar Beverley Knight MBE.
Commenting on the event, head of Shoosmiths Manchester, Vaqas Farooq said: 'It was fantastic to share this exciting and unprecedented event with so many of our clients and to honour the memory of Tim Bacon, who left such a lasting legacy for our city. We want to thank everyone who supported us and helped to raise such an impressive amount. We now look forward to seeing the proceeds raised on the night being put to excellent use by the Tim Bacon Foundation.'
Jeremy Roberts, CEO of Living Ventures Group added, 'We are extremely grateful for the enthusiastic support Shoosmiths have given to this ambitious event, on many levels.'
View more photos from the event on our online gallery here.