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Corinthia Hotel London, London’s newest five-star luxury hotel, recently hosted an A-list charity gala evening in support of the Gender Rights and Equality Action Trust (the G.R.E.A.T. initiative). Trustees Mariella Frostrup, Jason McCue, Karen Ruimy and Marc Carter hosted international and UK celebrities, influencers and philanthropists at the celebratory gala including Colin and Livia Firth, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Chris Evans, Jemima Khan, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Laura Bailey.
Upon arrival, the evening’s guests were warmly received at a reception in the hotel’s specialty Mediterranean fish restaurant Massimo where champagne and canapés designed by Chef Patron Massimo Riccioli were sampled inside the spectacular space of soaring ceilings and original columns. Guests were then ushered into Corinthia’s majestic ballroom and treated to a private performance by Mark Knopfler, who played classics to the assembled lucky few that had managed to get tickets for the sell out gala. A three-course dinner created by Corinthia London’s Executive Chef Garry Hollihead was served, followed by a welcoming address by Mariella Frostrup, who presented G.R.E.A.T.’s recent missions, achievements and objectives. Two short films presented by Renée Zellweger were shown, from her trip earlier this year on a G.R.E.A.T. mission with Mariella and Karen Ruimy in Liberia.
The highlight of the evening took the form of a spectacular auction, featuring one-of-a-kind lots donated by the stars and G.R.E.A.T. supporters, including Mark Knopfler’s guitar from his evening performance, a role as an extra in the upcoming Bridget Jones 3 film, and art work from leading artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Jonny Yeo. The bidders were spurred on through a video message from G.R.E.A.T.’s patron, Annie Lennox, who urged all to support G.R.E.A.T. and gender equality around the globe. Proceeds from the auction will directly support the G.R.E.A.T. initiative’s goals including the FAS NGO Pan African Centre for Gender, Peace and Development and specific grass root projects on the ground.
The charitable night is reflective of Corinthia London’s core values of warmth and hospitality, which are the basis of its exceptional service. General Manager Matthew Dixon said, “We are honoured to support such an important cause as the G.R.E.A.T. initiative, and hope that tonight’s gala event helps raise the profile and funds that enable the organisation to reach a global audience. As one of London’s newest leading five star hotels, we are delighted to open our doors to G.R.E.A.T. and offer them our hospitality on such a significant occasion.”
Jason McCue, Trustee of G.R.E.A.T., thanked Corinthia London during his speech to the guests saying, “Thank you, Corinthia, not just for your charitable support of GREAT, not just for providing us with a wonderful and undoubtedly the best venue in London, not just for all your exquisite hospitality but for also giving our event some style.”
Corinthia Hotel London is fast becoming the capital’s hottest luxury destination, having already hosted a number of celebrity events during its pre-opening period this spring. The exquisitely designed restaurants, bars and ballroom provide the perfect setting for London entertaining at its finest. For further information, visit www.corinthia.com/London.
