London based B&I contract caterer, Lexington Catering, hosted a charity fundraising dinner raising over £5,000 for Fat Macy’s, a social enterprise tackling homelessness.
The sold-out event held at community kitchen Refettorio Felix in Earl’s Court, welcomed guests including Lexington suppliers and clients for an evening of celebration and fundraising, featuring live music, a menu inspired by Fat Macy’s Middle Eastern restaurant, Sohaila, and food prepared and served by the Lexington team. Guests also enjoyed a raffle with generously donated prizes.
Fat Macy’s helps Londoners, who find themselves in temporary accommodation, transition into stable housing by providing culinary training and supporting with employability skills. It operates a catering service where trainees can gain vital experience, with a percentage of the profits going towards rental deposits for individuals.
Proceeds raised at the event will support Fat Macy’s initiatives, including trainee travel and funding for qualifications, as well as milestone grants as part of its 200-hour development scheme.
Lexington has supported Fat Macy’s since 2019, providing training outlets and the opportunity to work in restaurants in collaboration with its clients. In 2023 Lexington partnered with Fat Macy’s to launch a café – Fat Macy’s on Five – to provide further catering and hospitality training opportunities for those in temporary accommodation. Lexington is proud that Fat Macy’s on Five has increased Fat Macy’s hospitality training hours by 120 per cent. Seven trainees have completed the Fat Macy’s programme through the partnership and four trainees have found work because of gaining hospitality experience at Fat Macy’s on Five.
Nathalie Moukarzel, CEO and Co-founder of Fat Macy’s commented: “The evening was a fantastic success and the funds raised enable us to continue helping Londoners break the cycle of homelessness and upskill them with new personal and professional skills. The support from Lexington has been a meaningful step in our mission and we look forward to continuing our relationship and making meaningful impact together.”
Matt Wood, MD of Lexington Catering, added: “It’s always special to see social value in action as much as it is with Fat Macy’s. The charity dinner was a proud moment for all of us seeing the passion and determination of all individuals involved. We’re a proud supporter of Fat Macy’s social mission and we’re thrilled to have helped raise such a fantastic sum of money for them.”