Bartenders being U.G.L.Y. around the country

Nearly 1,000 bartenders have already nominated themselves to be the ‘face’ of U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year in their venue so far this year.

Recognised across the industry as Australia’s premier hospitality fundraiser, U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year encourages bartenders to demonstrate the ‘Understanding Generous Likeable You’ and encourage patrons to get involved in their venue to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Queensland’s U.G.L.Y. campaign is already underway, wrapping up on 12 September. The rest of Australia follows, kicking off the official campaign period from 1 October to 14 November 2016.

Every $80 raised by an U.G.L.Y. Bartender provides one night’s accommodation for people who need to relocate to the city to receive treatment that is not available in their local communities. In 2015, U.G.L.Y. Bartenders raised $2m, providing 25,000 nights of accommodation. The generous work of these bartenders and their venues enables the Leukaemia Foundation to help 70 families every night of the year.

With the support of venue owners and management, U.G.L.Y. Bartenders are encouraged to put on their fundraising ‘thinking caps’ and come up with innovative and fun fundraisers to entertain, amuse and engage patrons in their bar. With events like U.G.L.Y. Pirate Parties, Blue Tie Degustation Dinners, Yabby Bingo (even we needed to check what this was), cocktail and dessert specials, U.G.L.Y. Club Membership and more, the creativity that goes in to coming up with these events is overwhelming every year.

U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year highlights the impact made by the Australian hospitality industry on the communities around them. Many venues are the heart of their local community, be they city, suburban or regional, and play a pivotal role in providing both entertainment and an opportunity to engage patrons in fundraising that impacts both locally and beyond their suburb or town.

“When U.G.L.Y. was first introduced nationally in 2009 we thought it would provide a great conversation starter for staff and patrons. In its first year, U.G.L.Y. raised $300,000, and since then the uptake of this campaign across the industry has been pivotal in helping the Leukaemia Foundation not only to provide our vital accommodation service, but to grow it substantially and allow us to help more people every year,” stated Dave Simms, the Leukaemia Foundation’s Head of Fundraising.

To say a huge ‘Thank You’ to U.G.L.Y. participants and their venues, the Leukaemia Foundation is offering fantastic incentive prizes in every state. There is also an amazing first prize for each state’s highest fundraiser and their venue, with winners receiving a $3,000 Flight Centre gift card and their venue winning either the Hoshizaki Ice Machine or Lancer Beverage Systems products or services to the value of $7,500, proudly donated by Principal Sponsor, Hoshizaki Lancer.

Check out the prizes and register to be U.G.L.Y. in 2016 at www.uglybartender.org.au

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