Well what a year 2020 has been – an emotional rollercoaster ride that most of us never want to get on again. Through adversity we have seen our amazing hospitality industry come together and innovate in many different ways under the harshest of circumstances. Here's a look at what fun I have been involved in this year, and be prepared for some belly aching laughter!
On Friday 11 December, to show just how crazy coronavirus has made us all, some of us hospitality professionals decided to do a virtual game show with the flour challenge as the penalty for incorrect questions. Those who got the questions right got to pick a team to do the challenge instead, ensuring a very white Christmas. This whole hilarious affair was live-streamed to Facebook! It also meant we could leave 2020 in true hospitality style providing a one of a kind experience and lots of laughter no matter that this year was a right Karen.
All proceeds went to Hospitality Action, a fantastic charity that helps hospitality professionals who are facing challenges including physical illness, mental health issues, financial difficulty, family problems, addiction and more. No matter their situation, Hospitality Action is there to get them back on their feet again.
Giuliana Vittiglio, fundraising and marketing manager for Hospitality Action really hit the nail on the head: “It's a cruel irony that this could be the first festive season in a long time where hospitality people are at home quite so much. But rather than enjoying a relaxing family time, many are facing a new year without employment. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in the GuestRevu Game Show for Good to raise funds on our behalf this Christmas.”
As the host, I thankfully didn’t have to put my face in flour this time, but did step outside of my comfort zone by dressing up as Mrs Clause. A massive thank you to the teams that did faceplant numerous times and were game for a good laugh.
Here are the teams and what a bunch of winners they were:
Have a great festive season, and stay positive – we really do work in the best industry in the world. Please feel free to share your great or even silly moments from this year in the comments. It may just be what someone needs to make them smile and keep going.