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Celebrating Burns Night in a military style

The colonial surroundings of former Army Staff College at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, will be the elegant and stylish venue for Step by Step's latest charity fundraising event, a Burns Night to be held on Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at 7.30pm. Step by Step helps young people who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless by providing accommodation and training.

The evening will feature all the traditional elements of the celebration, including a piper, sumptuous four-course meal, and witty and amusing 'Lads and Lassies' speeches, finishing with a ceilidh led by local band Jigworks. The evening will also include a charity auction with some valuable and exciting items to bid for, including a meal for up to six people to be cooked by top chef Robert Kennedy. Rob, whose style has been described as 'great classic British with a modern twist', has won over 60 national and international awards, including the coveted 'chef Oscar', Cost Sector Chef of the Year, for his work at the Royal Military Academy. He also appeared on Masterchef: The Professionals on BBC1 in 2009. He is now the chef at Kennedy's Brasserie at The Star in Bentley which, despite being opened only a few months ago, has already been named as one of the top twelve restaurants in Surrey and Hampshire.

Step by Step's Community Fundraiser, Annette Althen, says “We were looking for a high quality event that would lift everyone in the dull winter months after Christmas. A traditional Burns Night in a beautiful and historic setting with good food and the opportunity to let off steam at a ceilidh seemed to be the ideal solution. We are sure that it will be a great success.” Dress is strictly black tie with a Scottish twist, as befits the occasion.

Tickets, priced £50, are available from Annette or Gill Butler, who can be contacted on 01252 327317, or via email: fundraising@stepbystep.org.uk. They would also be keen to hear from any organisation who would like to donate goods or services which could be auctioned to raise more funds for Step by Step's vital work. More information is available at www.stepbystep.org.uk/burnsnight.

Step by Step has been working with young people for 18 years. Originally founded to provide temporary accommodation for homeless youngsters, the charity has expanded significantly and now supports over 500 young people every year. Clients now progress through a four-step accommodation service where each step offers greater independence as clients demonstrate their willingness to take more responsibility for their lives and those around them. Alongside this, the charity provides training in life skills to enable the young people to regain their self-esteem, stabilise their sometimes chaotic lifestyles and enter back into the community with a job or a college or training placement.

©2010 Step by Step Partnership Ltd   :   Reg. Charity No. 900308    :   Company No. 2431825