Fine wine & art dinner raises almost £500,000 for Action Against Hunger

Robin Hutson’s annual fine wine and art Dinner has raised almost £500,000 for international charity Action Against Hunger.

The annual charity dinner, which was hosted on 4 November at 1 Lombard Street, London, was founded by Hutson, founder of the Pig Hotels, and food journalist Bill Knott 17 years ago.

The £460,000 raised at the dinner takes the total donated since its inception to £5m.

Lots included the Pig-at Combe prize, offered in conjunction with a kitchen table lunch at Mark Hix's home, which raised £20,000. Its popularity led to the organisers taking the decision to sell it twice, raising £40,000.

Other lots included a personal cooking day with Raymond Blanc and Angela Hartnett, raising £35,000, and a private carriage on the British Pullman for 16 guests that went for £17,000.

Guest chefs were Robert Reid, Neil Borthwick, Emily Roux and Henry Harris.

British journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup hosted the evening.

Hutson said: “We have been long term supporters of the amazing work undertaken by the Action Against Hunger team all over the world. There are so many charities needing support for their causes, but the simple and basic ambition to eradicate malnutrition feels appropriate for us to get behind in the hospitality sector.”

Jean-Michel Grand, Action Against Hunger UK’s executive director, said: “We're delighted to have raised such a staggering sum for this year’s event, with £5 million raised overall since the Fine Wine and Art Dinner began 17 years ago.

“This incredible generosity from the attendees will support our programmes in 55 countries around the world, where we can predict, prevent and treat life-threatening hunger.”

*Image: Mariella Frostrup with Robin Hutson *