THE hospitality industry came together to raise £1,100 for Brighton Housing Trust.

The fundraising event was held at Market Restaurant in Western Road, Hove.

It was organised by Kate Alleston from Market with complimentary drinks donated by Divergent Drinks.

People from the hospitality industry raised funds for BHT’s First Base Day Centre at St Stephens Hall in Montpelier Place, Brighton

A raffle was hosted by food critic Andrew Kay.

Kate Alleston said: “I wanted to bring together people from the local hospitality community for an evening of fabulous fundraising for Brighton Housing Trust.

“It is a brilliant charity that provides so many services across Brighton and Hove to combat homelessness, to create opportunities for homeless people, and to bring about positive change.

“The evening exceeded my highest expectations.

“Everyone had a wonderful evening and we raised a huge amount to support the work of First Base Day Centre in their work with homeless people in the city.”

BHT chief executive Andy Winter said: “Everyone at BHT is so grateful to Kate and her colleagues for putting on such a successful evening.

“The good news is that BHT incurred no costs in arranging this evening so every single penny raised will go direct to providing services for homeless people who come to First Base Day Centre.

“Some £1,100 will help us provide a care package for 37 clients which will include hot drinks and meals, showers and toilets, laundry facilities, clean and dry clothes, access at the centre to medical treatment, opticians and podiatrists, expert help with mental health and addiction problems, and advice on housing, employment and benefits.

“Last year First Base helped 222 people to move off the streets and into accommodation.

“This would not be possible without the amazing support we receive from the community, and from events such as the one at Market Restaurant.”

For more information about BHT see www.bht.org.uk

Andy Winter said: “As the financial crisis deepens and the welfare benefit cuts begin to take effect, more and more people are facing the possibility that they might become homeless.

“First Base offers a range of services to support people who are sleeping rough or insecurely housed in the city, to get off the streets, start realising their aspirations through work, learning and leisure and find a place they can call home.

“We provide a centre of excellence for all of our partners in the city.”