Highlights july 2014

Helping young people in the race

for employment

FoundationHighlightsCreating Brighter Futures for Young People

Registered Charity No. 1084220 (England and Wales) 038995 (Scotland) Edition 68 - July 2014

July 2014 2hilton-foundation.org.uk

Breaking barriers to employment

Galvin’s Chance is HCF’s into-work programme aimed at young people aged 18-24 who are facing barriers to employment, including although not exclusively those who have come through probation. The programme engages them to have pre-employment training, a work placement with guaranteed interview and paid work particularly in front-of-house service roles in fine-dining establishments.

Prior to being put in contact with the Galvin’s Chance programme, Newton had been doing a six year prison sentence and didn’t know where his life was going to take him. Newton had never been to an interview before and did not know to approach the job market. Through the Galvin’s Chance programme, Newton undertook a two week placement, following four weeks of training as a commis waiter at Duck & Waffle. Newton said:

‘The first thing you learn and get used to once starting work is that “you” are not the priority anymore – it is the customers. The question is “Can you deal with that?” A lot of people can’t; but if you can then it makes you feel a great sense of achievement. This is a tough industry; and I feel that if I can do this I could do anything.’

Newton was offered employment after the work placement as has now been working at The Duck & Waffle at The Heron Tower for 6 months. Newton told us:

‘It has fuelled my ambitions; the fact I am working means I can also do other things that I wanted to do. I have now passed my driving test and I have applied for a passport which is getting sorted out. I don’t have to make time for people that are going to hold me back. I want my own business and this industry is recession proof. I have so many ideas, I just need to focus and channel them. I also want to do the apprenticeship in Hospitality.’

Newton with Keiran Terry, Sushi Samba/Duck & Waffle Director of Operations

Newton collecting his award from Fred Sirieix and Chris Galvin


Power & Tower Challenge

On Friday 6th June, 91 intrepid runners took on the Tower to raise funds for Galvin’s Chance, HCF’s into-work programme. 2014 saw a change to the annual Tower race, with the introduction of teams taking on the British Military Fitness Challenge!

The Mayfair Power and Tower Race consisted of a 4.5km around Hyde Park before charging up 28 flights of stairs of London Hilton on Park Lane to Galvin at Windows, to be greeted by a breakfast roll and a glass of champagne. For those who were not sufficiently daunted by the prospect of the Tower, the run was interspersed with four obstacle challenges designed by British Military Fitness to test participants to the

absolute limit. Four teams crawled, sprinted, barrel-raced and clambered their way to the end of the race before taking on the Tower.

Our runners performed fantastically, with fastest male Matthew Shaw running 19m19s, the fastest female Ruth Spivey finishing in 25m22s, and the fastest team was Daniel, Neil, Will and Steve from British Military Fitness Watford at 32m14s.

Participants and spectators enjoyed breakfast with a spectacular view over London, and were addressed by Galvin’s Chance founders Chris Galvin, Chef Patron, and Fred Siriex, General Manager at Galvin at Windows. Runners also heard from three former graduates of the programme, who spoke about the difference the programme has made to their lives.

Runners were raising funds for Galvin’s Chance, our into-work programme delivered by our partner Springboard. Galvin’s Chance offers these young people the opportunity of a different future. The programme offers pre-employment training, a work placement in a front-of-house role at a high-end venue, and an interview with the view to continuation into full-time employment. Graduates gain the skills, confidence and training which will allow them to turn around their own lives and to pursue a career in the hospitality sector. Participating employers include Galvin at Windows, the Lansdowne Club, the Duck & Waffle, and the Royal


Automobile Club. Following a successful pilot in Edinburgh at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, Galvin’s Chance is also in the process of being rolled out in the Scottish capital. At the end of the race, some of the young people who have benefited from Galvin’s Chance shared their experience of how the programme has helped them to find employment and to turn their lives around.

So far the event has raised over £15,000 for Galvin’s Chance with more pledged to follow over the coming days. From the funds raised so far, 21 places have been created on the 2014 programme due to start in September.

If you want to take on the challenge next year, please email us at [email protected]


Fashion show and fine dining in Athens

Taste the Fashion in the Blue took place for a third time at the Hilton Athens ballroom attracting lots of local celebrities who came to support ELEPAP, the first non-profit organization in Greece, which provides rehabilitation services to children with physical and developmental challenges.

The concept of the event combined a fashion show with a unique gourmet experience: three renowned chefs, including the Hilton Athens Executive Chef, were inspired by three big fashion brands, Etro, Lanvin and Roberto Cavalli, to create a fantastic 3-course menu. Hilton Athens actively supported this event by providing the venue free of charge, by donating accommodation and spa treatment for the lottery and by purchasing tickets worth €800 for the 4Ds and the Blue Energy Committee, giving them the opportunity to experience such a high-profile event. This initiative resulted in big press coverage for Hilton Athens on TV, radio and lifestyle magazines.

ELEPAP offers holistic intervention programs for infants, pre-school and school age children, while at the same time supporting the children’s families . Photos left to right: 1. The three star chefs worked voluntarily for the children: Christoforos Peskias, Kostas Athanassiou (Hilton Athens) and Stelios Parliaros. 2. The president of the Blue Energy Committee with Blue Energy members. 3. The event organizers photographed with President and Vice-President of Elepap.

Running to help others

Team members from DoubleTree by Hilton London Victoria, Sara and Marie, joined the 5K Run to raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital. They and their kids had a fantastic experience and plenty of fun while helping this charitable organization that deals with over 220,000 patient visits every year.

Thank you, Sara and Marie and well done to Sofia (4 years old), Pietro (7 years old), and Naomi (6 years old), who also completed the 5K. A total of £200 was donated to help care for children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.


Hilton Bracknell cookery support

Through its continued support of homeless young people, HCF has funded a range of specific projects to improve the living and learning environments of young people in hostels, refuges and requiring emergency accommodation. Following central grant funding to a new residential and training facility for homeless youth in Aldershot, Hilton Bracknell adopted the cause for its HCF sponsored grant nominations and also provided mentoring to the young people. Here, the General Manager and Head Chef visited and showed the young people how to cook up simple, nutritious meals using items from the store cupboard.

Helping thier local school

DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow Airport are keen to get involved in local school fundraising events. Recently the hotel donated a voucher, for a complimentary meal for two with house wine in the 745 Bar & Restaurant, towards a school raffle. Cranford Primary School’s annual Summer Fair is an important fundraising event and all of the money raised goes towards the school and its pupils.

Scaling new heights for young people

On Sunday 8th, June Sarah Turner, one of DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen City Centre’s Leisure Attendants, abseiled off the Forth Rail Bridge in aid of YMCA Scotland. Sarah has volunteered with YMCA for the past nine years. She now sits on the national youth forum, VOICE, which represents the views of young people all across Scotland and then acts upon the information gathered.

Half of the money raised will go towards enhancing the capabilities of the VOICE youth forum in reaching all YMCAs and also running campaigns to get the voices of young people heard. The other half of the money raised will go towards Sarah attending the World Alliance of YMCAs Global Council meeting in Colorado in July 2014. Here, Sarah will plan and run group work sessions with other young people from around the world for the delegates of the Council meeting.


Potential through sport

Through sport, children and young people learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, self respect and respect for others as well as encouraging fitness and a healthy lifestyle. For young people facing disadvantages such as a disability, participation in sport can be a powerful tool to unlock potential. HCF works with local sports groups across Europe to engage young people in a wide variety of positive and inclusive sporting activities.

Active healing power

Each year in France, at least 2,000 children are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia. This devastating diagnosis can completely throw families off course. HCF partner Les P’tits Cracks supports around 600 children each year, providing medical equipment and diversionary materials to relieve treatment cycles. Outside the hospital environment, cultural escapes and educational activities such as horse riding are offered. These can prove to be a significant help to children and their families during the cancer journey, offering respite and reducing isolation.

Homeless young people find jobs

Thanks to the great efforts of Team Members at Hilton Swindon, HCF was once again able to support The Amber Foundation. The funds raised will benefit the unemployed homeless young people who come to Amber every year to transform their lives for the better such as young people like Dan who ran away from home aged 16 and ended up living on the streets. Homeless, young and vulnerable Dan got involved with the wrong crowd and consequently drinks and drugs. He would steal food and alcohol just to survive and at night he would find a warm place to stay in bin sheds and car parks. Dan became out of control and ended up in prison which is where he heard about HCF’s partner, Amber. He came to Amber on release from prison and has never looked back.

While at Amber he volunteered with Raleigh International (pictured here) and involved himself in all Amber offered. Now he is working towards being a Manager within the pub company that he joined on leaving Amber six months ago. HCF has provided Amber with funding to cover the costs of providing support, shelter and courses to the young people they hope to inspire.


HCF supports the Hospice Heroes Appeal

Brian House is the specialist unit within Trinity Hospice providing palliative care for children and their families. Brian House opened in December 1996 to provide a specialist children’s wing under the umbrella of Trinity. It is unusual in being a truly ‘local’, not regional, children’s hospice and provides care and a ‘home from home’ environment for children and young adults from Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre who have life threatening and/or life limiting conditions.

Brian House meets complex needs, providing support for the family and care for children/young adults who will not be cured of their illness. Their respite care, which is provided at regular intervals, gives families the opportunity to experience times of relief and normality – particularly important for families with several children, because the impact of having a very sick child in the family is felt by all. Additionally, the charity also provides much needed day care to enable parents to work and to keep up to speed with domestic chores. In the event of a sudden emergency, additional care is always available.

HCF awarded a Central Grant to Trinity Hospice in support of the Hospice Heroes Appeal, to transform four children’s bedrooms at Brian House. The decor was tired and the bedroom fittings were past their best, but they have now been completely renovated and each given a distinctive theme – from pirates to a circus. Trinity’s Grants and Trust Fundraiser, Heather Jones said:

‘This funding is a wonderful boost to the children at Brian House. This will enhance the therapeutic properties of the bedrooms, creating a healing and calming environment that at the same time contains as element of fun. Over the years, we have had a strong relationship with the Hilton Blackpool and this grant from Hilton in the Community Foundation is s strong testament to Hilton’s dedication to the local community.’

Scout Jamboree

New skills were found and old ones rediscovered by team members at a special interactive session at Hilton Northampton for the 8th Rushden S.A. Scout group. The scouts have been nominated by the hotel to receive HCF funding to attend an international scout jamboree in August 2014.


HCF helps young wheelchair users

In 2013 HCF donated £12,000 to cover the cost of two Bugzi powered wheelchairs to support children (aged 1 to 5) with disabilities. The charity runs a wheelchair loan system through which they build, fit out and give away Bugzi wheelchairs.

Being able to move independently for the first time in their lives, the young people supported by the project are able to explore their environments, gain spatial awareness, increase co-ordination and improve confidence and general happiness. The Bugzi also help prepare the children to use larger wheelchairs when they have out-grown the system. These skills mean that by using Bugzi wheelchairs, children have greater chances in life. Having the ability to move and explore at the same time as able bodied children means that the social and educational gap between disabled and non-disabled children is dramatically reduced

The HCF grant helped three year-old Ewan who has Cerebal Palsy, cannot walk and has difficulty communicating. Using MERU’s Bugzi powered wheelchair, Ewan can get around by himself. Children like Ewan use buttons to help them communicate and drive the Bugzi. Ewans Father, Ben said:

“Ewan is developing a skill that means he can also express himself. Ewan has limited ability to do what most children love, to explore. With the Bugzi he can get the benefits of active play.”

A lesson in fun

What do you do with the empty plastic bottles and boxes from eggs? Throw them away? For the team of DoubleTree by Hilton Novosibirsk, they presented a great opportunity to hold a fun and useful Teaching Kids to CARE lesson.

Firstly, they gave a lecture about reduce, reuse, and recycle. Then, students divided into 4 teams and arranged a competition: Who could make the most beautiful flower vase from the plastic bottles and boxes from under the eggs? The children were enthusiastic about this idea and made great masterpieces. They said they would give the vases to their mothers, grandmothers and their teacher. The team decided on the best team, so they presented their legendary Cookies to all of the kids!

In the end, everyone had a tea party with DoubleTree branded cakes and students staged poetry performances, and the school invited the team to visit them again next year.


Celebrating year one with local children

It’s been a year since the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Lodz. In Poland, every year on June 1st they celebrate Children’s Day, and this year the hotel decided to do something special for the little ones. For the first time, the hotel organised first of series of film brunches and invited children and their parents to spend a fun morning with the team.

Team members prepared many attractions for this occasion. Children could admire real knights and their fights at Wytwornia Club, take part in movie sessions – in 3D Cinema Wytwornia – and had a lot of fun during yoga lessons and XBOX Kinect games. The Four Colors Restaurant and Golden Bar prepared an extensive buffet with delicious food and tasty drinks.

The team at DoubleTree by Hilton Lodz, with the aim of Teaching Kids to CARE, and in the context of children’s education about jobs, also invited children from kindergarten to the hotel. The young students had the opportunity to see what the work at the hotel looks like and get to know such professions as chef, receptionist, and even as a security guard.

After exploring the hotel, the kids were invited for a Disney movie to 3D Cinema Wytwórnia, where our F&B team members waited with delicious snacks prepared by our Executive Chef and his crew, and where the CARE team handed out a Cookie to every child. The children were delighted!

A great excuse for a party

DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava celebrated the popular children’s festival – International Children’s Day! It’s very important to the hotel, and last Sunday, they invited the children of team members and business clients for a party.


The power of the cookie

To observe June 1st, Children’s Day, DoubleTree by Hilton Bucharest Unirii Square sponsored a visit by a group of pupils from a school in Bucharest to the facility of chocolate producer, Heidi Chocolate! On their way there, the children were treated to some very special DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies, which they appreciated very much.

At Heidi Chocolate the pupils were invited to ChocoWorld, where they had the opportunity to create their own chocolate mixes. Some even tried to replicate the DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie. Moreover, when all was said and done, the kids were presented with a certificate of mastery in chocolate making.

Additionally a group of team members from the hotel paid a visit to one of Concordia Children’s Care Homes in the city of Ploiesti, about 60 km north of Bucharest. Concordia is a Romanian charity foundation involved in the personal development and social reintegration of children from needy families. The home we visited sheltered some 25 children, aged 6 to 13.

The children heartily welcomed the team and everyone joined them in singing songs, dancing, and playing the drums. Then, they held a drawing contest in which children were invited to draw the tree in “DoubleTree” as well as talk about how to CARE for our environment.

Lastly, the team gave the children the presents that they had brought: school supplies, sweets, juices, and fruits, all of which were very much appreciated. After a last goodbye, the team had to leave, but not before the children made them promise that they would return.

Children’s Day Brunch

On the June 1st 2014, Hilton Prague welcomed young children into the hotel for brunch. On offer were fresh delicacies from a plentiful buffet while kids were entertained in a supervised kid’s corner. The entertainment program included a children’s fashion show, live parrots, a get-together with the Pombar bear with treats. In total 5,700 CZK was raised for Chance 4 Children. This non-profit, humanitarian civic association helps to improve the quality of life of thousands of disabled and disadvantaged children by developing and implementing innovative programs.


Meet our Grants CommitteeAs an independent charity, HCF has both a Grants Committee and a Board of Trustees to provide oversight and approval of the grants awarded. The Grants Committee meet on a quarterly basis and review shortlisted applications for funding above £5,000 from the Central Grant programme. Through this programme HCF receives requests for funding from registered charities across the UK and Ireland who support the education, health and wellbeing of children and young people. The Grants Committee make decisions and recommendations on how the Foundations funds should be used.

The Grant Committee recently met in early June and approved funding to seven charities, and site visits are planned with an additional three organisations. Approved grants include support to the charity Community Focus for an accredited training and work experience programme for young people aged 14-25 who have disabilities and are Not in Employment, Education or Training.

The Grants Committee is comprised of both Hilton employees, such as John McLaughlin, General Manager of Hilton Manchester Deansgate, and independent members. We invited John to tell us more about this role with the charity.

When did you join the Grants Committee and what does it involve?

“The team at Hilton Manchester Deansgate and I are committed to supporting the local community so I decided to become part of the Grants Committee in September 2013. Joining the Grants Committee was the perfect opportunity for the hotel to support young people in need by combating exclusion and providing skills, aspirations and opportunities for individuals.

We have been fortunate enough to work with some fantastic charities across the North West region. Each project or group is always so easy to work with and really appreciate any support we offer to them, whether it’s funding, advice or training. We always keep up to date with news from the city, in case we hear about any charities or organisations that Hilton in the Community Foundation can help.

I also attend regular meetings with the whole committee to review all of the fundraising activities, initiatives and grant applications that each hotel is championing. It’s a great way of sharing best practice and working with like-minded individuals who are all so keen to help make a difference.”

What do you find most enjoyable about being on the Grants Committee?

“What I find most enjoyable about being part of the Grants Committee is the fact we are really helping young people have a brighter future. We are committed to making a huge difference in Manchester and so far we have helped to provide some absolutely fantastic opportunities for people throughout the community.


It’s always a great experience to get to visit the amazing charities and their patrons. The motivation and dedication that each individual has for their causes is always such an inspiration to me. Plus, there really is no better feeling than seeing a group’s funding request being approved and getting to see first-hand the incredible impact that it has on the worthy cause.”

Since you joined the Grants Committee, has your understanding of HCF and the issues facing young people changed at all?

“I’ve been part of the Grants Committee for less than a year, but in this short space of time my eyes have been opened to the issues facing young people today. I truly did not realise how many people in the Manchester area alone are in need of some sort of support or advice.

Whether it’s improving access to education or making health care more available for young people in the city, we hope the support that Hilton Manchester Deansgate is committed to providing will have a positive impact on the lives of so many across the city.”

Of the project that the Grants Committee have reviewed, have there been any particular causes or projects that stand out to you?

“It’s impossible to highlight just one of projects that the Grants Committee has helped. I have been fortunate enough to visit four amazing organisations from the North West region, all of which obtained a significant amount of funding. Each organisation I have visited is special and unique, which means they all need our help in so many different ways. What’s great about the Grants Committee and HCF is that it always strives to provide the correct and necessary support for each specific organisation.

Through the Grants Committee, the Hilton Manchester Deansgate team and I have raised vital funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice and donated £9,000 to The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre to enable the facility to provide over 80 theatre workshop sessions to children with Down’s Syndrome.

We’ve also worked with the Gadum Centre, supporting its bereavement and palliative care services and the fantastic Twinkle House, a sensory centre in Lancashire.”

What is your message to Foundation Champions and other supporters who help raise funds for HCF?

“May I take this opportunity to say that without the support and hard work of my likeminded and empowered colleagues, Hilton in the Community Foundation and Grants Committee would not be able to achieve the level of impact that it continues to create across Europe today.

We are all seen as a leading business in each of our towns or cities, meaning that often our fellow contemporaries will look to us for guidance and reassurance when it comes to the best way of giving back to the community. HCF and the Grants Committee offers just that, it is something that each and every one of us should be proud to say we are a part of.”


Helping young people into work

For young people seeking a job is a huge step in their process of continual growth and development as they move toward independence from family and school. The journey to employment is one of the biggest transitions undertaken by a young person in their life – in which they move from a structured, supported environment to standing on their own. Not surprisingly, this challenge can be daunting and the rejection it sometimes entails can be demoralising. Young people require practical and emotional support to help them realise the skills and experience they have to offer, to plot a path into employment and develop the resilience to follow it.

The Trafalgar, in a partnership with HCF and the charity YouthNet, hosted a Job Ready workshop in June. The day was the finale of a 6 month employability programme, Job Squad, which supported 20 young people from across the UK, all aged 16-25 at various stages of their employment journey. The day included CV workshops, mock interviews, career insights and a surprise visit to The Trafalgar Hotel to meet the staff.

The final part of the Job Ready Day involved a session all about the hospitality industry, supported by Vista Bar Manager, Tom McCarthy and Executive Head Chef Kameel Nankan. Thanks to everyone who supported this day!


London Panathlon Final celebrations

On Wednesday 18th June, staff from HCF and Hilton London Stansted Airport were delighted to be able to visit the London Final of the Panathlon Challenge. The Panathlon Challenge aims to get disabled young people into sport, increasing their self-confidence and skills. The Panathlon Challenge is a long-standing charity partner of the Foundation through our central grants fund and through partnership with Hilton London Stansted Airport and we were very pleased to be able to see their work in action.

HCF has previously awarded a grant to Panathlon to help develop a pilot programme for sports aimed at severely disabled primary school children, which is currently being rolled out nationally, and the charity is a long-standing charity partner of Hilton London Stansted Airport.

Congratulations to the well deserved winning team representing Harrow who almost performed a clean sweep by winning nearly all the sports. Rob Manning, a teacher at Whitmore High School, part of the Harrow team, was delighted with the win. “It feels awesome to win and retain our trophy – the children have absolutely loved today. If it wasn’t for Panathlon the children wouldn’t be able to take part in competitive sporting activities. I would encourage every school to take part in a Panathlon Challenge.”

As part of Hilton London Stansted Airport’s commitment to the charity, team members attend various Panathlon events and helped to officiate the sports that took place. On this occasion Liz Major, Hotel Administrator - Executive Office, and Robert Watts, General Manger, went to the London Final to see the work the charity are doing within the London Boroughs. They were asked by a member of Panathlon to describe in one word the children that were competing - Inspirational, Competitive, Dedicated immediately came to mind.

Elizabeth Major said “We have been working with Panathlon for nearly 5 years and it is wonderful to see how the charity has grown over this time. The work that Panathlon does with the schools is vital and when you see the children participate they truly enjoy it.

This is a wonderful charity that does amazing work with providing schools with the equipment and coaching for young disabled children to participate in sport. Congratulations to the schools that participated, it’s a fantastic achievement for all of the children that took part”

Students and staff alike had a fantastic day. James Robertson from Riverside School, Bromley said “The opportunity to compete at the Copper Box was one none of us will forget in a hurry. Although we’ve only just finished for the year I’m already really looking forward to more Panathlon events next year, they really are the highlight of the calendar for us at Riverside.”

Ben Murray, Teacher from Shaftesbury High School in Harrow said, “A fantastic opportunity for our pupils to experience a range of sports in a competitive environment. This event promotes a sense of achievement in my pupils and heightens their self-esteem. Our pupils love taking part and thoroughly enjoy the challenge.”

The Foundation was absolutely thrilled to be a part of such an inspiring day, and we would like to thank Panathlon for inviting us.


Dash through the park

On Sunday, June 8th, the Great Ormond Street Hospital organized yet another great event in Battersea Park – “Race for Kids!” The 5K family run was a great success and a lovely day out. All of the money raised will help to rebuild and refurbish the hospital by replacing inconvenient, outdated wards with new facilities, allowing the hospital to care for up to 20 percent more sick children and their families. Every penny really does make a difference.

DoubleTree by Hilton London West End strongly supports GOSH in their activities. Team members took part in this wonderful event. Mare ran with her cousin, and Lena with her daughter – they described it as a “Fantastic family day out, supporting a good cause combined with lots of fun activities!”

They also visited GOSH recently, which made them want to help even more: “Seeing the new part of the hospital, which is very child friendly, was such an amazing experience! Every child that goes there enters bright spacious areas, which makes them less stressed. However, there are still parts of hospital that needs refurbishment in order for those little people to feel more like home and help them to go through their treatment with ease. It’s very emotional place, as well.”

Youth in Hospitality Day at Hilton Budapest

On May 19th 2014 Hilton Budapest Community Subcommittee team and voluntary Team Members invited Ferenc Csik Academic Grammar School (7th and 11th grade) students to learn about the range of jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry first hand. 40 excited students, who had shown a specific interest in catering and tourism, together with three teachers got a chance to interact with team members from different departments. It is hoped the students may apply for practical internships and enjoy professional mentoring.

Béla Varga, Front Office, Judit Kovácsovics, Business and Meeting Center, Marika Polónyi, Housekeeping, and Annamari Fonó, ICON restaurant - Kitchen & Confectionary, talked with the students about the roles of a bellman, a receptionist, a room maid, a chef, a pastry chef and a waiter. For many of the young participating students it was the first time in their lives they had learned how hotels are run. The students were keen to explore the “back stage” areas, especially the Kitchen, the Confectionary and the Laundry with Ilona Barkóczy.

General Manager Zoltán Árvai said: “we aim to nurture young people living around us. Organizing a job shadowing day is an amazing opportunity to get young people to learn about our jobs and show them a bright future.”


Circus Party in Prague

On May 28th 2014 Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town organized a spectacular party for their clients and business partners. The party with a Circus theme took place in the Hilton Prague Congress Hall decorated in a chapito style and was attended by more than 400 clients.

The Sales team of Hilton Hotels in Prague, headed by general manager Michael Specking dressed as a ring master welcomed guests in typical circus costumes. Guests had a lot of fun while enjoying a dance performance by nearly 40 members of the hotel Business Development team, professional performances of La Putyka and Long Vehicle ensembles and a magician, Richard Nedved. Guests also took part in the best costume competition and participated in various additional activities in the foyer.

As every year, a charity raffle has been a key part of the event with valuable prizes as stays in Hilton Worldwide hotels. The first prize was even combined with Cirque du Soleil tickets. The total amount collected from sales of the raffle tickets reached 80.000 CZK.

Michael Specking, General Manager of both Prague properties handed over a charity cheque to Terezie Sverdlinova, director of Tereza Maxova Detem Foundation. The Foundation provides special methodology to enable children growing up in their carehomes to study English and thus enhance their communication skills, self-confidence, and discussion and assertion capabilities.

Guests sampled selected international delicacies presented by Hilton Prague CzecHouse Grill & Rotisserie and Hilton Prague Old Town Zinc restaurant as well as refreshing apple cider Kingswood or selection of signature cocktails from Cloud 9 sky bar & lounge.


Garden makeover for School

Team Members at Hilton London Stansted Airport volunteered at Oakview School in Loughton as part of their ongoing support for HCF Grantee, Panathlon. Oakview School, who participate in Panathlon’s sports tournaments, needed the garden areas tidying at the front of the school as they had become overgrown. The team consisted of Liz Major, Tim Panther, Richard Orr and Jem Erkoyuncu. Great effort everyone!

Let me entertain you

Many thanks to the Team Members at Hilton Dartford Bridge who held a “Let Us Entertain You” night to raise funds for HCF.

This event was wonderful and a huge thank you goes to Christina who organised some great acts and without whom this event would not have happened. This was a staff, friends and family night and every penny raised from ticket sales and raffle sales, and all proceeds from the staff bar, went to the Foundation. The evening featured live acts ranging from West End show performers to young people just graduating from theatre schools. The performers all kindly donated their time – encouraged by Christina who has great connections in the industry!

The night went without a hitch and was run perfectly with a full house and great enjoyment from all.

HCF grants reach local causes

Hilton Leeds City were delighted to presented two cheques to local charities Martins House Children’s Hospice, who provide care and support to children with a life-limiting condition and their families, and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, to support the refurbishment of a new hospital ward.


Helping young people into the hospitality sector

Last month Hilton Swindon ran a mock interview day before offering two students work experience opportunity on 8 and 9 May.

Ashley Ward, who took park in the mock interviews described his experience: “Five of us from Amber went to the Hilton in Swindon suited and booted for mock interviews. Their first question to break the ice was ‘what shopping brand would you be and why?’ So I said I’m Red Bull and Persil as I am bubbly and full of energy and I’m clean and fresh and I’m worth it! In my interviews I answered lots of questions like ‘where do I see myself in a year’s time’ and ‘what do I think Amber is about’. I said that they are helping me get my life back on track, I enjoy the teamwork and the feeling of safety and in a year’s time I want to be working and in my own place.”

Reece Carter, who was offered work experience, describes his details his experience: “On the Thursday I was polishing glasses and cleaning conference rooms. I learned something new which was how to polish glasses – with steam. On the Friday morning I was in the restaurant clearing tables, making tea and coffee and seating guests at tables. Meeting and greeting new people are always good life skills which I enjoyed doing. Other staff that were working that day were really friendly and helpful and I enjoyed working with them. When breakfast had finished I went to work in the Hilton’s Costa Coffee. I don’t like coffee but I did really enjoy working there.

Simone was very helpful and showed me the recipes for making coffee. Once I had read them I realised how complicated it is to make all the different coffees. This work experience chance gave me the opportunity to be able to see what life is like working within an organisation like Hilton. It really does seem to me to be a career path worth taking just to be able to be part of a great team and all the opportunities that can be taken so that I could work to my full potential. Thank you.”

Reece is now looking for a career in hospitality.


Respite care for the family

On Thursday 19th June Philippa Redwood, Executive Office, and Head Housekeeper Lynn Pereira from Hilton Avisford Park presented a cheque to Lorraine Waterman of the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation. The Foundation offers respite opportunities to children and their families coping with life threatening illnesses and was founded in memory of Lorraine’s six-year old son Oakley.

The Foundation has two caravans, one in nearby Pagham and the other in Devon. Lorraine was thrilled to receive the money as it costs £10,000 a year to pay for the upkeep of each caravan and next year they are looking to replace one at a cost of £60,000.

Hilton Leeds City goes the extra mile

Janet McAteer recently attended the Leeds City College Presentation Night for Year 11 GCSE Hospitality Students at Leeds City College. The students had invited Hilton Leeds City by way of a thank you for all their support and assistance with their qualification.

Janet McAteer said “It was great to see students being presented with their certificates and awards given for the top achievers. A very proud night was had by all. It was a great opportunity to see the hard work of the students done throughout the year. “

The Housekeeping Department, Hilton Leeds City were also proud to host a ‘Wear it Pink’ day to raise money in aid of St Gemmas Hospice, Leeds in memory of Mary Fallowfield, a dear housekeeping friend and colleague who passed away recently. All departments joined Housekeeping in showing their support by wearing pink, and buying raffle tickets to win fabulous prizes. A total of £200 was raised on the day, with this amount increasing on a daily basis.

HCF would like to thank everyone for a truly inspirational event. We’re sure Mary would be very proud of everyone`s support.


Volunteering in Watford

Hilton Watford have been doing a huge amount to support their local community, including volunteering to support the charity Home Start. Team members used their skills to lay a new carpet and fun was had by all! Home Start, a partner of HCF, is an independent family support service for families in the Watford & Three Rivers area of Hertfordshire and was set up to offer a service, free at the point of access that would be available to all. The charity recruits and trains local volunteers and carefully matches a volunteer to visit a family in their own home for a couple of hours a week to help parents build better lives for their children.

Team runs to battle cancer

On the 7th June 2014, team members from across the Netherlands took part in the annual Roparun. The team spent over a half a year planning their participation in their event to make sure they could secure sponsorship for the event. The team ‘Hilton Team 292’ endured the relay race which last around 50 hours and raised just under €5000 towards to support charity that work to provide better care for people with cancer

A Roparun team consists of a maximum of eight runners, who each run an average of about 65 kilometres, which is well over the distance of a marathon. A team must also have a minimum of two cyclists and a number of people forming a support team, including drivers, medics, caterers and road captains. The teams themselves are responsible for finding volunteers to fill these roles.

The Hilton Roparun team have been supporting the event since 2012. It was a tough day and temperatures soared above one 30 degrees during the day. Tropical rain was experienced during the first night and hail stones the size of ping pong balls fell during second night and some team members suffered some injuries. But all had fun and survived, they finished the race in high spirits! Thanks to those who took part from Hilton the Hague, Hilton Rotterdam, Hilton Amsterdam and Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

For more Photos please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Roparunteamtwoninetwo?ref=ts&fref=ts


Lifeball 2014 – Love is a bloom growing everywhere!

The Vienna City Hall was again a showplace for one of the most colourful, expressionistic and flamboyant events of the year. For the 14th time, Gery Keszler, CEO & Founder of LifeBall invited stars of all genres to join the event and make it another unforgettable one. Bill and Hillary Clinton, Ricky Martin, Ben Becker, Leona Lewis, Marcia Cross, Vivienne Westwood and many, many more came to “witness” this explosion of colours, diversified fun and joy.

Of course, the Hilton Vienna team could not miss such an occasion and so they volunteered and hosted a bar and served all guests with sparkling and delicious drinks. But LifeBall would not be LifeBall if they served in jeans and t-shirts’. With proper “uniform”, perfectly matched to the theme “The Garden of Earthly Delights”, the team entertained all guests from early evening until late night.

During the entire evening, the team raised €6,242.50 which will be donated to Aids Life to help fight AIDS and HIV around the globe. Another €1,673.50 was raised through various smaller activities prior to the event. To top it off, Hilton Vienna donated goods and services worth €51,000. It was a brilliant experience - sparkling, glamorous, and despite all the hard work, an enjoyable and memorable event! LifeBall, Gery, Vienna – get ready for 2015!

Half marathon success

40 Team Members from Hilton Strasbourg took part in the Races of Strasbourg to support the local charity “Regards d’Enfants”. This non-governmental organization supports handicapped children by defending equality for all. Team members ran over 250 km each, and gained sponsorship from supplies and local partners. Team Members that did not take part in the race sold home-baked cakes to raise additional funds for the cause. The money donated to Regards d’Enfants,

was used to hold a special sport-and-party day. Team members from Strasbourg joined this event and planted a tree for peace and human rights with the children. raising funds for Regards d’Enfants, a humanitarian organization who support children’s rights and active citizenship.

Additionally, Hilton Strasbourg joined with RMCPS, an association of doctors and musicians set up with the purpose of playing music to young children undergoing heavy treatment in hospital, to host a jazz concert for the children from the local hospital. The event not only consisted of a Jazz concert but also surprise gifts for the kids. The Operations Manager even sang on the stage!


World Cup rivals

On Saturday, 31st May, HIlton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town took part in a football tournament to rival the World Cup featuring six teams from Hilton Prague and one team from Hilton Prague Old Town. Each team consisted of a minimum of five players. What made this tournament special was the children from a local orphanage who were invited to join in the football game and were able to experience the vibrant atmosphere first hand on the football field. The 10 best players from the event have qualified for the football cup organised by Hilton Nuremberg, which is taking place from the 25th of July until the 27th of July. We will keep our fingers crossed for them and hope that they will play a successful game in Germany - good luck to the team members from Prague!

Children with disabilities frequently have additional support needs to enable them to fulfil their potential. We support local groups across Europe to help answer this need. This could be assisting a charity with a full refurbishment or helping provide specific equipment. For example, height adjustable tables and chairs directly assist children and facilitate their learning environment. © HCF grantee – Playskill


A non-rountine ordinary day

Radek Ulian, who is helped by HCF Charity partner Tereza Maxová Foundation, shares his story

Beep, beep... Aha, it’s 5:30, and I must get up. It’s dreadfully early, but I basically don’t mind it much. I quite enjoy getting on the tram in Prague - Michle, so that I can be at Hilton Prague at 6:40 and at 6:45 already switch on the tunnel washing machine in the Laundry. It must be precise, because otherwise it will be impossible to wash the first batch of laundry in time, and even at 7:00 the first laundry would not come out of the dryer for further processing. I’m pleased that I start the day regularly, although early. I know exactly when I will go to lunch, what time I will finish and when I will be home, and I also know that I have quite a long free afternoon ahead of me. This hasn’t always been the case, and so I appreciate the regularity, routine for some. After all, I have a job, and that’s really a priority for me.

So it’s time for a quick wash and a run to the tram. There I will breathe a bit of a sigh of relief, and I will have time to plan what I will do in the afternoon and whether I will have enough time for archery, which is my major passion, or where my girlfriend Lucka and I will go. Today it’s absolutely clear. We’re going to go have a look at my first flat. My first independent home.

Right now I live in the Half-way house, but now I have to find something on my own. I think of how great it is that I already have job security and that although I have not finished the probationary period, it seems likely that they will keep me in the laundry room. After all of those temporary part-time jobs, constant insecurity and balancing on the edge, this is a pleasant change. With the ability to repay debts regularly, which I owe for health insurance, the future looks much rosier. And so at 6:30, I smile, completely satisfied and in a manner impossible for many people to understand, even though it’s raining hard outside. Oh, this afternoon I must not forget to call the Tereza Maxová Foundation and to tell them that I have managed to finish the probationary period in the hotel and to thank project New Job New Life, which in cooperation with Hilton Prague, found a job for me. I know that they help all kinds of children from orphanages, just like me, but for me this help has been truly priceless, because thanks to it I know I mean something and I can pay my bills. Finding a job is never easy, and for those of us without a traditional family it can be a major challenge. But I was successful!

I run in the rain from the tram to work, quickly change clothes, say hello to a colleague working in sorting and the girls behind the washing machine, and I load the first 37 kg batch of laundry into the “pocket”, which will enter the washing machine in four minutes. And so it’s time for the next pocket. Another 37 kg of laundry goes into the washing machine within four minutes, and this continues for the entire day. That is until 11, when I have a break for lunch. Super! I’m already looking forward to it. Lunches are my favourite hotel benefit. Within a half hour, I really manage to eat a lot, even though I am supposedly still very skinny. Well, you know, since I load 555 kg of laundry per hour and four and a half tonnes per day, I really have a lot of movement, and so I don’t gain much weight.

After lunch it gets a little tough, but everything gets back to normal with the second batch, and I continue working until my shift ends at 3:15 p.m. On the way home, my plans made on the tram in the morning become clearer and I see my future brighter and brighter!


Upcoming events for the next two for your diary:Thursday 03/07/2014

Saturday 05/07/2014

Sunday 6/7/2014

Thursday 10/7/2014

Saturday 12/7/2014

Tuesday 15/7/2014

Thursday 17/07/2014

Friday 18/07/2014

Thursday 24/07/2014

Friday 25– 27/07/14

Thursday 31/07/2014

Friday 1/8/2014

Friday 1/8/2014

Friday 1/8/2014

Friday 1/8/2014

Saturday 02/08/2014

Saturday 30/08/2014

Sunday 31/8/2014

If you would like to attend any of these events, please visit the events page on our website to book. If you have any other events not shown, do tell us at [email protected]. We wish you the best of luck with all of your HCF activities.

Hilton Swindon

Hilton Worldwide - International Division

Hilton Strasbourg

Hilton Dresden

Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport

Hilton Munich City

Hilton Worldwide - International Division

Hilton London Wembley

Hilton London Canary Wharf

Hilton Nuremberg

Hilton Munich Park

Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri

Hilton Dresden

Hilton Munich City

Hilton Rotterdam

Hilton Munich Park

Hilton The Hague

Hilton Budapest

Summer Pantomime

Boulters Bray Swim

Garage Sales

Incentive Trip

Table Soccer Tournament

City Run

Golf Day

Golf Day

Masquerade Ball

Hilton Soccer Tournament

Blindenwerkstatt

Summer Time Snacks

Summer Barbecue

Hilton Soccer Cup

Football Tournament

Charity Dinner - Kids an die Macht

Football Day

TVPAG

WELL DONEWE MADE IT AROUND THE WORLD!

Look out for a special Around the World in a Day Highlights coming soon. To make sure your hotel isnt missed out please email your photos and text to Leri at

[email protected] or Samiya at [email protected] by Friday 4th July 2014.

Highlights july 2014

Documents

Transcript of Highlights july 2014