A PAIR of young trainees will benefit from a fundraising dinner at Gulargambone's two eight two eight tourist information centre and cafe at the weekend.
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The focus for this year's Dinner Under the Stars was to continue the hospitality traineeships to Kiara Reid and Grant Millgate, who will complete their second and final year at the end of 2016.
Two eight two eight Gulargambone is now in its 13th year of operation, and Saturday night marked another highly successful fundraiser for the centre which serves as a visitor centre, art gallery, gift shop, catering service and cafe.
About 290 guests were treated to a beautiful three-course meal with 10 Gulargambone Central School students doing a fantastic job waiting on tables.
Local filmmaker Hugh Beveridge and other local personalities featured in a very funny short movie screened between courses, and the Jade Martin Band entertained with stirring rock ballads throughout the night.
Over 700 bon bons were sold to guests, containing everything from a coffee voucher to an overnight stay at Billabong Camp and entry to Taronga Western Plains Zoo for two adults and two children.
As always the sponsors and guests were extremely generous in their support, with the major live auction item - a Bastille Day three-course dinner for 12 people - going to Graincorp for $3700.
The two-night stay at Park Hyatt Sydney, dinner at Rockpool Bar and Grill and a tour of Vittoria Coffee Factory went to Peter and Jackie Dent of Coonamble for $2200.
Profits will go back into the project to continue services to the community, including the employment of six local people - a significant achievement in a town with limited employment opportunities.
The committee has received numerous compliments from guests both local and away, with advanced bookings for next year already in the pipeline.