In an inspiring display of community spirit and determination, more than sixty hospitality workers from across Cardiff came together to participate in the Cardiff 10K under the campaign name ‘Hospitality vs 10K.’
On Sunday 1st September, the hospitality team, assembled by Tani and Sam of the award-winning Lab 22 cocktail bar in Cardiff city centre, ran the race to raise funds for Dreams and Wishes Charity, a local charity dedicated to making dreams come true for seriously ill children and their families.
Lab 22 has long been a pillar of support within the hospitality community, on a mission to ‘look after the people who look after the people.’ This ethos is evident in the bar’s ongoing ‘Lab Sessions,’ which provide hospitality workers with access to free education, experiences, and workshops. Recent sessions have included a visit to Nature’s Little Helpers to learn about beekeeping, a Wellbeing Workshop with expert health and nutrition consultants, and a day at Hensol Distillery to explore the art of distilling.
After seeing adverts for the Cardiff 10K, Tani decided it was time for “a little less conversation and a little more action,” purchasing 30 spaces for the race with the intention of giving them to members of the hospitality community who might not have considered entering on their own. The response was overwhelming, with the spaces filling up fast – prompting Tani to secure an additional 30 spots.
In total, 62 hospitality workers ran the race on September 1st as part of the ‘Hospitality vs 10k’ challenge.
A conversation between Lab 22 owner Tani Hasa and Carys Northmore, General Manager at Pasture Restaurant led to a collaboration, with Pasture Cardiff generously hosting a post-race feast for all the team runners. The celebration took place a stone’s throw from Cardiff castle on the Pasture Cardiff terrace, where runners enjoyed a specially designed menu featuring slow-cooked and fire-roasted meats and sides – ideal for refuelling after a gruelling run!
Asahi 0.0% also joined the ‘Hospitality vs 10k’ initiative as sponsors, covering the costs of the team T-shirts proudly worn by all runners on race day.
Tani expressed his pride in the event, saying,
“The feeling of running that race with a community of people who might not normally spend their Sunday morning like that, was like nothing else. Seeing people from all levels of ability come together for the race for months or weeks of training, all whilst raising an incredible amount of money for a worthy cause, was just brilliant. Some of the best people in the world work in hospitality and it was a privilege to be able to give something back to that community – that’s what Lab 22 has always been about.”
In total, the ‘Hospitality vs 10K’ challenge raised more than £6,000 for Dreams and Wishes, a portion of the funds raised through a donation of £1 from each cocktail sold on Lab 22’s monthly specials menu.
Tony Curtis MBE, Founder and Executive Chairman of Dreams and Wishes Charity said,
“We are incredibly grateful to the ‘Hospitality vs 10K’ team and Lab 22 for their dedication and generosity. The funds raised will make a significant difference in the lives of the seriously ill children and families we support, helping us to create unforgettable precious memories during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Seeing the hospitality community come together in this way is truly heart-warming, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”
The success of this event has inspired Tani to plan more ‘Hospitality vs 10K’ events across the UK, with the aim of raising more funds for local charities, inspiring hospitality communities in different towns and cities, and promoting the well-being of hospitality workers nationwide.
Carys Northmore from Pasture Cardiff added,
“We were thrilled to support the ‘Hospitality vs 10K’ initiative and to host the post-race celebration for these incredible individuals. At Pasture, we believe in the importance of looking after our staff’s well-being, both physically and mentally. This event perfectly aligns with our ethos of fostering a sense of community and encouraging healthier lifestyles within the hospitality industry and we’re proud to have played a part in such a meaningful day.”
For more information about the ‘Hospitality vs 10K’ challenge, or to get involved in future events, hospitality workers in Cardiff can request to join the dedicated Facebook group.