Guests attending the event at Chester Racecourse dug deep to help support one of the city’s most vital voluntary services.
More than 170 people packed into the venue on February 12 to mark a decade of Soul Kitchen Chester, raising £10,232 on the night to support the charity’s work with vulnerable and homeless people across the city.
Soul Kitchen Chester was founded in 2015 to provide hot meals, essential supplies and practical support to people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Over the past ten years, it has grown into a vital frontline service, offering regular outreach, food provision and signposting to further help for those who need it most.
The anniversary ball began with welcome drinks from Barlounge, CHANCE Clean Cider and Wrexham Lager before the evening took an unexpected turn when a spontaneous flash mob erupted as the host stepped onto the stage.
The evening was arranged by Steven Hesketh, the charity’s trustee and special advisor to the Board.
Steven, the founder of Hospitality Hero and the owner of the Chester Townhouse, said: “Our little vision came to life in a room full of people who showed up, gave big, and reminded me why our community still wins.
“By the end of it all, we raised £10,232. Just over ten grand in one night, for a charity that genuinely changes lives. That’s what happens when people come together and actually back something that matters.”
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal delivered by Chester Racecourse and Horseradish before taking part in a lively round of Boogie Bingo, followed by an auction and raffle featuring prizes including football shirts, a stay at the new Chester Zoo Reserve and a Dandy’s voucher.
Soul Kitchen Chester’s CEO, Helen Anthony MBE, delivered a heartfelt speech about homelessness in the city and the charity’s day to day work supporting those facing crisis.
A host of local businesses donated prizes and support, including Chester Zoo, Downtown in Business, Adam Dandy, Hotel Wrexham and ASG Audio Visual.
