Newcastle hotel group Hunt Hospitality is now just $27,000 short of reaching its goal of providing $100,000 for Variety - The Children's Charity, after it's venue Lakeside Village Tavern at Raymond Terrace raised more than $5,000 on Australia Day for the organisation.
Hunt Hospitality, which incorporates local venues such as Lakeside Village Tavern - Raymond Terrace, the Kent Hotel - Hamilton, the Duke of Wellington Hotel- Lambton, and the Sea Breeze Hotel - Nelson Bay, is a long-time supporter of Variety, with hotelier Stephen Hunt the driving force behind the company's involvement.
"I’m delighted with our team, but even more delighted with our locals. They have been the biggest supporters and we could not do it without them," he said.
"In this instance our staff at Lakeside Village Tavern have also showed incredible initiative raising more than $10,000 for Variety since May last year, through raffles and other initiatives."
"In this instance our staff at Lakeside Tavern have also showed incredible initiative raising a total of more than $10,000 for Variety since May last year through raffles and other initiatives..."
The success of the recent Ultimate Man Cave Raffle, which saw the lucky winner take home a fridge fully stocked with more than 200 beers, was largely due to the hotel's manager Mick Millett and staff.
"We really took the challenge to raise money for Variety seriously because it's an organisation that supports kids who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs," Mick said.
"I am a father myself so I understand the need to provide as much support for kids as we can."
"We really took the challenge to raise money for Variety seriously because it's an organisation that supports kids who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs..."
Lakeside Village Tavern will continue the Ultimate Man Cave raffle, next raffling off the door from Todd Hazelwood’s V8 super car driven in the 2018 Newcastle 500, and personally signed by Todd. Tickets will be $2 and available from the hotel.