Gold Coast Bartender Takes the U.G.L.Y. Win for QLD

Whilst the rest of Australia is kicking off U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year in their states this weekend, Queensland have crowned their 2016 U.G.L.Y. Champion!

Cheeky and charming bartender, Paolo Giancarlo Gabrielloni, from Edgewater Dining and Lounge Bar was one of 322 Queensland bartenders who took part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s unique U.G.L.Y. (Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You) competition raising over $490,000 towards free accommodation for regional blood cancer patients undergoing treatment in Brisbane.

Paolo was determined to raise $30,000, enough to fund a whole year’s worth of accommodation for a family.

“I knew if I put all of my energy and passion into this competition I could reach my goal,” Paolo said.

“My mum’s friend had leukaemia so it means a lot to me to be able to help someone going through treatment.’

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Paolo put his body on the line completing a series of crazy dares while pedalling away on an exercise bike at the venue’s major fundraising night.  Generous patrons and local businesses also contributed to auctions, raffles and cocktail competitions.

QLD’s Second place went to Jamie-Lee McCluskey at Laidley’s Queensland National Hotel and third place to Kylie Ansford at Rubyvale’s New Royal Hotel.

Keep your eye on social media and the U.G.L.Y. website to find out what’s happening in venues in your state over the coming weeks:  http://www.uglybartender.org.au/news/gallery

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