2022 AHA HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARDS
Community Service & Support: Highway Hotel Pub people know Martin Palmer’s generosity and were not surprised when The Highway won the AHA|SA’s Community Service & Support Award 2022. The Highway raised approximately $150,000 for charity in just over 12 months. Beneficiaries included Laurel Palliative Care, Bone Cancer Research, Pancreatic Cancer, Sammy D Foundation, Charlies Rainbow, Kickstart for Kids and more. “Marty” is quick to pass the praise to his team, in particular to Christine McAuliffe. “Pubs have a role in looking after those who need a hand or are not as fortunate as we are,” he said. “We all agree on the importance pubs play in the community and Christine is very immersed in our local community. “She is in touch with groups who need help and The Highway has the facilities to do something
meaningful in a fundraising sense.” For Christine, the award is tinged with sadness, as many of the people who were the focus of events have now passed away. “Sadly, I knew all of the people from the functions last year,” she said. “I had a personal connection and some of them are no longer here.” Christine explained that in the case of Charlotte Agostino, “there is no fundraising for that form of bone cancer, so we wanted to raise awareness”. “All of the proceeds went to the doctor who treated Charlotte, to fund further research.” As many publicans would know, organising donations is time consuming and has to be a labour of love. Christine, the hotel’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, is well supported by Functions Manager Linh Pham and many passionate staff. Even
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Christine’s husband Terry generously donated his time to be auctioneer and MC at all fundraisers.
“Pubs have a role in looking after those who need a hand or are not as fortunate as we are.” “Over the past 12 months, The Highway has worked tirelessly to support those who have touched their hearts,” the award judges commented. “The fundraisers were all designed for people that have a direct association with the Highway. “Every cent of the money raised went directly to the Charity making a big difference in the lives of people they are connected with.” Back to Contents
