Culinary event raises funds for local cause

Rotorua people attending the Food and Fun fair got the chance to taste good food from around the globe, all while raising money for a good cause.

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Diploma in Culinary Arts students presented the event on Saturday, with proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rotorua.

Diploma in Culinary Arts chef lecturer David Collier-Baker said the community was generous and $353.10 was raised.

The 12 students had to organise and produce an event, selecting a charity, he said.

Mr Collier-Baker said Big Brothers Big Sisters was a worthwhile cause and the mentors gave these children someone to look up and aspire to.

"It is a big commitment by the mentors and they have to be acknowledged."

He said70 to 80 people attended the event, and there were about 15 children from the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme there with their mentors.

There were four food stations - Italian, Chinese, American and Indian.

Mr Collier-Baker said the event went really well and, although he had been concerned about the weather, the rain had come on either side of the event.

As well as the food there was also henna, a bouncy castle and face painting.

Adventure tourism students also got on board and ran activities such as tug-of-war for a part of their course too, he said.

"A great day was had by all. Thank you to everyone for their help and making this event possible."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rotorua coordinator Darryl Parker said it was great to get that community good-will and support.

He said most of the programme's children were there and some of their families went along too.

"It was an awesome day for them, the food was amazing, the kids had fun and it was a good vibe."