Students Help Maggie’s Celebrate 10th Anniversary in Style!

Students from Fife College benefitted from helping organise the Maggie’s 10^th Anniversary Birthday Fundraiser held recently, while ensuring it was a glittering success!

The group of students who study Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Events, Travel and Tourism helped with a range of tasks at the event, from event planning and food preparation to front of house and drinks service. Students also liaised with various partners involved in bringing the event together including Fife Council, Fife Cultural Trust and Maggie’s.

The black tie event was held at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes and was attended by 210 guests who enjoyed a wonderful night of food, entertainment, auctions and raffles to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Maggie’s Centre in Kirkcaldy while raising £26,375 to help with the centre’s running costs.

Alongside a night of excellent entertainment guests were treated to a delicious three-course dinner prepared by students and led by the College’s Culinary Art team. Eadie Manson, Chef Lecturer, also offered himself to cook for four as a prize in the Silent Auction.

The main sponsor of the event was Smith Anderson and all food was sourced locally by the College and donated by local suppliers.

HNC Events student, Amy Devine (20) from Kirkcaldy, got a great deal from the experience and said: “I really enjoyed working at this event and it was great to put our learning into practice in a realistic working environment. It was hard work but we had an amazing time and enjoyed working with the students from other areas to help put on a great event and raise money for such a fantastic cause.”

Lindsey Robertson Curriculum Manager said: “We were delighted to be asked to help with this amazing event which gave all our students a taste of what working in the hospitality and events industry would be like. A great deal of preparation and time was put in to plan for this event in the six months running up to the evening and especially in the three days prior with Culinary Arts students from all campuses involved in prepping and cooking.”

Bryan McCabe, Head of Department was delighted with the work the students had carried out to support the event and said: “Our students and staff worked very hard in the weeks running up to the event and on the night itself – this is one of the largest external events that the college has been involved with recently.

“Students studying a range of courses gained a great deal from the experience of working at a large scale fundraising dinner. This high profile event allowed them to enhance their customer care, planning and practical skills which is great for their CV and general employability.

“They are an amazing group and I am extremely proud of the way they worked together, giving their time and energy for free to help such a great charity which plays an important role in the lives of so many local people.”

Alison Harrow from Maggie’s said: “From the moment you stepped on to the red carpet at the Rothes Halls you knew it was going to be a wonderful evening. I am delighted that so many students and staff were able to help make the evening such a great success and also benefit from the experience. It was a wonderful celebration of 10 years of Maggie’s Fife during which we have supported more than 50,000 people affected by cancer.

“Events such as this will allow us to support many more people now and in the future.”