Sodexo's dinner raises record-breaking amounts for charity

More than 350 guests dug deep at the Sodexo Foundation Dinner which took place at London's Royal Garden Hotel. The event was the grand finale to the year's STOP Hunger activity, a campaign that aims to tackle poor nutrition in local communities across the UK. The evening was also used to celebrate the fundraising efforts of two Sodexo employees who went above and beyond to help the campaign. Aidan Connolly, chief executive for Sodexo UK & Ireland, presented Hayley Collins, from Sodexo's Corporate Services division, with this year's Charity Champion award for organising fundraising events which raised thousands of pounds for charity. Meanwhile Angus Mansfield, from Sodexo's Defence division, was presented with the Merit Award for raising almost £50,000 for charity in 10 years. He has organised numerous events over the years, including a yearly walking challenge and a monthly draw that bring Sodexo, forces clients and local communities together for good causes. He also ran the London Marathon in 2002, 2003, 2004 and plans to run again in 2010. Entertainment for the evening included an auction and raffle which helped to raise an impressive £20,000, beating last year by about £5,000. A final highlight was Sodexo's Richard Strudwick performing as Elvis after winning the 'Sodexo's Got Talent' competition ealrier this year. Thomas Jelley, Sodexo corporate citizenship manager, said: "Throughout the year Sodexo people commit their time, energy and imagination to the Sodexo Foundation STOP Hunger campaign in all manner of weird and wonderful ways. The awards and review of last year's activities shows just what an important part of our business ethos STOP Hunger has become."