The Burnt Chef Project has announced its first gala dinner, Out Of The Shadows, which will take place on the 17 November 2022 at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

A focal point for individuals and businesses across the foodservice and hospitality sector, Out Of The Shadows will be a chance to celebrate and recognise the success stories in our fantastic and vibrant industry. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, the gala dinner will also be an opportunity to raise vital funds for The Burnt Chef Project, while simultaneously helping to eradicate mental health stigma in hospitality.

Returning to Bournemouth, where it all began for the project, the event will be hosted at the city’s Vitality Stadium, home to AFC Bournemouth. The exclusive event will kick-start with a drinks reception before guests enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Paul Fudge, Head of Catering Operations at AFC Bournemouth and his team. A host of industry speakers will join host legendary British heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno and spoken word artist, Joe Bellman, for what is certain to be a night to remember.

A silent auction with truly exceptional, money-can’t-buy experiences and prizes, are sure to be a highlight of the night, raising all-important funds for The Burnt Chef Project at the same time.

Hosted in conjunction with key sponsors including headline partner Unox, a company that’s demonstrated its commitment to supporting The Burnt Chef Project, as well as Talenthive and The Liberation Group, the event is sure to be a highlight of the culinary calendar.

On the inaugural launch of Out Of The Shadows, Kris Hall, Founder of The Burnt Chef Project comments: “We’re immensely proud to launch Out Of The Shadows, as a chance to celebrate success, the gala dinner also gives us the opportunity to come together, stand as a collective and shine a light on mental health within our industry. 

We’re delighted to be able to welcome guests to Bournemouth, where The Burnt Chef Project started as a series of black and white portraits– we’d like to express our sincere thanks to Paul Fudge and his team at AFC Bournemouth, who is a huge advocate for the work we do. I’d also like to say thanks to our partners, Unox, Talenthive, Liberation Group and Performance Leadership Group, who without their support, this event simply couldn’t happen.”

As headline partner for the inaugural gala dinner, Scott Duncan, Managing Director at Unox UK adds: “Unox is delighted to be able to support the maiden Out Of The Shadows gala dinner from The Burnt Chef Project. As a supplier, Unox understands that working in the foodservice and hospitality industry can be tough, however, eradicating the stigma around mental health is something that we are very passionate about. Understanding the challenges faced by those who work in the industry, The Burnt Chef Project is tirelessly working to raise awareness of mental health needs and offer support to those who require it. Out Of The Shadows is not only an opportunity to recognise the challenges faced but also to celebrate success – all while raising vital funds for this great cause.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the sponsorship opportunities available, would like to purchase tickets to Out Of The Shadows or would simply like to find out more about the ongoing work of The Burnt Chef Project, please visit www.theburntchefproject.com/gala-2022.