Leadership, passion and amazing teamwork helped break all records last night as top chefs and industry leaders joined forces to raise $2,021,555 at OzHarvest’s biggest ever CEO CookOff. Two hundred CEOs and corporate teams, cooked alongside 50 of Australia’s favourite chefs to feed 1400 special guests from charity agencies across Sydney, a five-star feast at Sydney’s largest pop-up restaurant at the Royal Hall of Industries.
The competitive nature of the industry bosses saw charity fundraising taken to a new level as Merchant Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Chapman topped the bill with a whopping $302,500.
Corporate teams also battled for the top spot on the leader board, in the end PwC pipped BP Australia to the post by raising $106,040.
An emotional Ronni Kahn, OzHarvest Founder and CEO was left speechless by the staggering amount of money raised for the cause. “I’m simply blown away by the unbelievable efforts of the CEOs and teams, who threw themselves into this event with fundraising gusto! Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, OzHarvest can now deliver another four million meals to help people in need!” said Ronni.
Top fundraiser Andrew Chapman travels from Perth every year to take part in the event and knows the value of the funds raised. “This is my seventh year at the CEO CookOff. It’s a humbling and uplifting evening, where CEOs get to see the impact of their fundraising first hand. Hearing the stories and understanding the journey that some people go through makes you realise it does not take much to slip through the cracks. It’s a great reminder that those in a position to give, should,” said Andrew.
Top fundraising team PwC teamed up with Miguel Maestre to cook up a giant paella. PwC Partner and team leader, Lawrence Goldstone said “The atmosphere last night was electric as teams and chefs worked seamlessly to prepare 1400 meals. The simple act of serving good food with respect and dignity, to people who often don’t know where their next meal is coming from, has a profound effect on everyone involved,” said Lawrence.
Guests were treated to a surprise performance from rock legend, Jon Stevens, who performed well-known songs from his latest tour. Triple M radio hosts, Gus Worland and Ryan Girdler, MC’d the evening. The record amount will help keep the wheels of OzHarvest turning and provide four million meals to help feed people in need. Donations can still be made to OzHarvest at www.ceocookoff.com.au.