{"id":670,"date":"2024-09-30T16:40:52","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T15:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/unikentfood\/?p=670"},"modified":"2024-09-30T16:51:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T15:51:31","slug":"sanctuary-dinner-on-the-gulbenkian-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/unikentfood\/2024\/09\/30\/sanctuary-dinner-on-the-gulbenkian-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"Sanctuary Dinner on the Gulbenkian Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Tuesday 24 September<\/strong>, the stage at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre was transformed into an extraordinary dining space for a unique event – the \u201cSanctuary Dinner on the Gulbenkian Stage.\u201d<\/strong> Hosted by the Philanthropy department, the event aimed to raise funds for the Sanctuary programme<\/a><\/strong>, which supports refugees and asylum seekers pursuing higher education at Kent.<\/p>\n

Kent is working to become a University of Sanctuary by conducting research, offering scholarships, hosting outreach events, and partnering with local organisations to support refugees and asylum seekers in the community.<\/p>\n

The Philanthropy team invited donors to the dinner to showcase how funds raised for the Sanctuary programme are being used to support Sanctuary Scholars. This one-of-a-kind dinner provided a platform, both figuratively and literally, to highlight the stories of students connected to the programme. Held on the Gulbenkian stage, the venue symbolically placed the Sanctuary programme in the spotlight – a fitting backdrop for an evening focused on hope and opportunity.<\/p>\n

\"Tables<\/p>\n

An International Flavour<\/h2>\n

The menu was thoughtfully designed to reflect the diverse backgrounds of some of the Sanctuary scholars in attendance. Daniel Parsons, Food and Beverage Manager at the Gulbenkian Caf\u00e9, crafted a culturally rich menu that spanned several continents, while Kent\u2019s Chef de Cuisine, Ben Elsbury, brought it to life.<\/p>\n

The meal began with a Lebanese-style tomato and pomegranate salad, setting the stage for the main course: a choice of beef or pumpkin Potjiekos, a traditional South African stew. Guests enjoyed sides of Namibian Omboga (a spinach dish with tomatoes, onions, and spices), Mahangu (stiff porridge made from maize), and white rice. The evening concluded with a refreshing fruit sorbet served alongside Mongolian boortsog biscuits, providing a sweet yet subtle finish to the culinary experience.<\/p>\n

\"Several<\/p>\n

Collaboration and Quality<\/h2>\n

A significant part of the Sanctuary Dinner\u2019s success can be attributed to the hard work and expertise of the catering team, who collaborated with the Conference and Events team and the Gulbenkian Arts Centre. From the carefully curated menu to the flawless execution of the meal, the team\u2019s dedication to excellence was evident throughout the night. Dining on the Gulbenkian stage added a creative twist that left a lasting impression on the guests.<\/p>\n

Among the notable attendees were YolanDa Brown<\/strong>, Chancellor of the University of Kent; Acting Vice-Chancellor Georgina Randsley De Moura<\/strong>; and The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith<\/strong>, Dean of Canterbury. Their presence underscored the importance of the University’s Civic Mission and Kent’s commitment to collaborating with diverse partners to drive social change in the region.<\/p>\n

During the meal, videos were shown between courses, highlighting the stories of Sanctuary scholars at Kent and Projekt Encounter, a theatre programme for first-generation migrants held annually at the university.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Positive Feedback and Looking Ahead<\/h2>\n

The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, with many guests praising the unique experience of dining on stage and the creative flair it brought to the evening. The internationally inspired menu was another highlight, with guests commending the exceptional quality and variety of the dishes.<\/p>\n

While this was a one-of-a-kind event, the University of Kent\u2019s Sanctuary programme continues to host a variety of initiatives throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for its important work. Staff members are encouraged to join the Sanctuary Collective<\/a> <\/strong>and contribute their skills and time to help advance the programme.<\/p>\n

For those interested in hosting a special event like the Sanctuary Dinner, the Conference and Events team<\/a> <\/strong>at the University of Kent is ready to bring your vision to life with outstanding food and service. To learn more, contact the team at internalcatering@kent.ac.uk<\/strong> or call 01227 828000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n