While the exact total raised at last weekend’s annual GV Health Foundation Ladies Who Lunch event won’t be known for a couple of weeks, the committee is confident it has surpassed last year’s $133,000.
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Event co-chair Amy De Paola said three years into the foundation running the event, which supports oncology services at GV Health, its sponsors and the community were now well aware of what it’s all about.
Some 668 guests, consisting of mostly women with a sprinkling of men, packed a pinkified Eastbank Centre for the three-course luncheon on October 26.
MC comedian Tegan Higginbotham ran proceedings with humour as she introduced guest speakers throughout the day, including Mrs De Paola and event co-chair Raathika Saranathan, GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp and GV Health Foundation chair Stephen Merrylees.
A panel discussion hosted by GV Health oncology nurse Eva Gauci, who was joined by breast and gynaecological cancer support nurse Melissa Gilmour and cancer patients Helen Limosani and Jessica Russell, shed light on the women’s journeys and the care and support that is offered locally.
Comedian Geraldine Hickey delivered a full comedic set, while local artist Tank painted a large canvas of a bird live at the event, which was auctioned by Shepparton Real Estate’s Hollie Wood, along with other big-ticket items.
In addition to the live auction, an online auction and raffle tickets could be bid on and bought electronically, bolstering funds with support outside of the physical event.
More than 7000 tickets were sold for the 14-prize raffle, which raised $25,000 on its own.
Lucky door and surprise under-seat prizes ensured more winners.
“We are so grateful for our supporters and the prizes they donated,” Mrs De Paola said.
“It meant 15 to 16 more people also got to go home with quality lucky door prizes.
“It all adds to the excitement, magic and energy of the event.”
Mrs De Paola said the Ladies Who Lunch Committee was “very pleased” with this year’s event and had received lots of positive feedback.
The committee plans to continue building its momentum into the future.