YMCA Fylde Coast has raised over £70,000 for its new development at YMCA Lakeside by hosting three successful culinary events in the North West of England, serving 560 guests and supported by none other than celebrated cook and author, Mary Berry.
At the Yes Chef events, which took place in three exclusive venues in Kendal, Manchester and Preston, in tandem on the 3 May, top Michelin-starred chefs, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Simon Shaw, Andrew Green, Adam Reid and Simon Rogan, gave their time and expertise to devise and serve sumptuous three-course menus. They were assisted on the night by students from Blackpool and Fylde College, Manchester Metropolitan University and Lakes School of Hospitality Management.
After having attracted the attention of the former Great British Bake Off judge, Mary Berry, the queen of cakes attended the Manchester event, where guests had the chance to purchase signed copies of her latest bestselling books, with proceeds donated to the cause.
YMCA Fylde Coast will continue working to secure the last slice of the funding required to reach its target of £6.8million for its new Lakeside Stoller Campus. This development will be a bespoke, world-class facility for schools, replacing the current accommodation on YMCA Lakeside’s site on the banks of Lake Windermere. The new development is due to open in March 2019 and will benefit more than 10,000 people each year.
During the past 50 years, YMCA Lakeside has given 1 million children and young people the chance to take part in activities to improve their life skills, become more confident and participate in outdoor pursuits to prepare them for their future lives. This includes kayaking, fell walking, archery and caving.