2016 Ladies Lunch14 Oct 2016

As it so often is, the 2016 Ladies Lunch was a superlative afternoon filled with fun, a few tears and an outstanding amount of laughter shared over bubbles and balloons. A total of 391 guests indulged in a fabulous two-course meal, fine wines and inspirational stories - but most importantly, we managed to ring in our best ever result! But we'll get to that soon...

The amazing sailors from HMAS Kuttabul were once again on hand to kick off the fundraising, selling raffle tickets for one of six prizes including a two night stay in a heritage suite with private pool at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Channel Ten star Jessica Rowe did an amazing job as MC, ensuring everything flowed without a hitch, and the afternoon got off to a fabulous start with comedian and breast cancer survivor Emma Markezic's humorous account of her experience, creating an amazing vibe and setting the tone for the afternoon. Soon after, it was time for a blaze of beauty and colour as guests were treated to a stunning fashion parade presented by the inimitable Leona Edmiston.

With the main course served, it was time for Channel Ten’s veteran entertainment reporter Angela Bishop to take to the stage and pay tribute to SBCF volunteer of more than 20 years, Harriett Harrison, who we lost In July this year. There were of course tears, but there were also many happy memories and smiles for a lady who dedicated her life to helping others.

With a brief break in activities, guests mingled and took a chance to bid on more than 100 silent auction items including getaways, dining packages, artwork and overseas holidays, before delighting in the final fashion parade of the day and another brilliant kaleidoscope of colour. Next up, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier - surgeon and SBCF committee member - took the opportunity to remind guests exactly what the day was about. Namely, the research and funding of the latest surgical equipment and techniques to benefit patients at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse; all made possible through fundraising events such as this.

The lunch then ended as it started, with hopes and dreams for the future from breast cancer survivor Helen Tran who demonstrated courage and optimism in sharing her story. As one guest said, "Thank you once again for a fabulous day - I've been to a few fundraising events and I felt it had the right balance of speakers, prizes, fun and great food! I really enjoyed the afternoon. You ladies did a wonderful job!"

But of course - we aren't forgetting the most important and gratifying part of the day... the tally. The event managed to raise over $88,000 for the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation, our best result ever! To all our donors, our photographer, make-up artist, models, speakers, special guests and you - our incredible and generous guests - thank you! We truly couldn't do it without you.

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