Reading College and University Centre raised over £1000 for homeless charity Launchpad by hosting a tapas evening on Tuesday 17 March.
Launchpad is Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity. It provides a holistic service for anyone in Reading who is at risk of becoming homeless or has become homeless.
The college’s Professional Culinary Arts students put their skills to good use by creating five tapas dishes and Pastel de Nata (a traditional Portuguese custard tart) for dessert.
Guests could indulge in a vibrant selection of beautifully-crafted small plates, each one thoughtfully prepared and presented with genuine passion and designed to share.
From bold, authentic flavours to delicate, artful plating, every dish reflected the dedication and creativity of these budding chefs, as they pushed their skills to new heights.
Students chose tapas as the theme to give them an opportunity to practise Spanish dishes and cooking with olive oil.
The event was held by the college to support an issue that is prevalent in Reading’s local community. The college also wanted to create a partnership with Launchpad to open up work experience opportunities and take learning outside the classroom.
Over 30 people attended the event held in the award-winning, student-run restaurant The Kitchen, at the King’s Road campus.
Music students provided entertainment by performing original music or acoustic covers either as solos or duets.
James Russell, a local resident and Director of Jaguar Espresso Systems and who attended the event, said: “Everything was great! The food was gorgeous. The entertainment was good. Everyone was friendly. It was a lovely evening supporting a vital cause in our community.”
Jamie Argent is studying a Professional Cookery Level 2 Certificate at Reading College and University Centre.
She said: “It’s been quite entertaining to take part because we’re cooking new dishes, getting to experiment with different food that wouldn’t make normally, while supporting our local homeless community.”
Speaking on the night, Louise Pye, Curriculum Lead at Activate Learning, said: “Thank you all for coming this evening. Your support means a great deal to Launchpad, and we truly appreciate your support for our local community.
“Events like this make such a difference, not only to the organisation we are supporting, but to the confidence and development of our students.
“Seeing our learners rise to the occasion, support one another and contribute to something bigger than themselves is genuinely inspiring.”
Kirsti Wilson, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at Launchpad Reading, said: “It was a brilliant evening, and we’re so thankful to Reading College and University Centre for organising it in support of Launchpad.
“From the delicious tapas prepared by the student chefs to the live music performed by the music students, it was clear how much care and effort had gone into the night.
“Huge thanks to all the staff and students involved for their generosity and enthusiasm.”
Discover Hospitality and Professional Cookery programmes available at Reading College or contact on 0800 612 6008.
To book a table at The Kitchen, please call 0800 612 6008 or email thekitchen@activatelearning.ac.uk or fill in the booking form via: https://reading.activatelearning.ac.uk/facilities/open-to-the-public/the-kitchen/
Find out more about Launchpad and to support Reading’s homeless people or contact them via 0118 950 7656.
