Action Against Hunger raises £140,000 to turn wine into water

Culinary luminaries Heston Blumenthal, Angela Hartnett, Fergus Henderson and Herbert Berger joined forces last night to help raise £140,000 at Action Against Hunger’s Fine Wine Auction and Dinner, held at City dining institution 1 Lombard Street.

The theme of the night was turning wine into water for thousands of malnourished children and families around the world, with proceeds from the auction in association with Luxury Explorer going to support humanitarian organisation Action Against Hunger’s work in combating child hunger and malnutrition in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Guests to the evening were greeted with a Champagne Taittinger reception, with the wines for the dinner donated by Marchesi de Frescobaldi.

Heston Blumenthal (The Fat Duck), Angela Hartnett (Murano), Fergus Henderson (St John) and Herbert Berger (1 Lombard Street) each prepared a course for the dinner, which was attended by 180 guests.

The highlight of the evening was a bid of £10,500 for a meal for two at El Bulli, the three Michelin starred restaurant widely considered the best in the world, as part of the auction of ‘once in a lifetime experiences’ overseen by David Elswood of Christies.

Other lots included a buying trip to Champagne and Burgundy that fetched £7,500 and a hand crafted lace kimono with Swarovski crystals from Agent Provocateur.

Frances Mason, trustee for Action Against Hunger, said: “It has been a difficult financial year, but we all have to remember that ‘difficult’ to the families Action Against Hunger helps means cutting down from three meals a day to one.”

Herbert Berger, chef patron of 1 Lombard Street, said: “The support shown for Action Against Hunger tonight really brings home how important the work of this organisation is.  Action Against Hunger makes a tremendous contribution to the fight against hunger worldwide. It has been a delight and great fun to work with such amazing chefs as Heston, Angela and Fergus tonight.  This evening has been a wonderful success, and long may Action Against Hunger’s good work continue.”
 
Heston Blumenthal, chef patron of The Fat Duck, said: “I'm absolutely delighted to be a part of this amazing event.  It really gives food and wine lovers the opportunity to enjoy a night to be remembered, whilst raising much needed funds for Action Against Hunger.”