Tuesday, 8 August 2023
A record $2.9 million raised for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
The Million Dollar Lunch community gathered on Friday, 4 August in The Palladium at Crown, for what was the 17th annual The Million Dollar Lunch.
This year’s event reached new heights, with a record $2.9 million raised to support children and families impacted by cancer.
The Wonderland themed Lunch was a sight to behold, with Crown and its brilliant suppliers, partners and employees delivering the magic in spades. Guests were welcomed into an Alice in Wonderland inspired Atrium – complete with story book entry doors, leading to a Queen of Hearts pre-function area and onto the most opulent Mad Hatters Tea Party.
Fox Footy’s Sarah Jones returned as host, alongside the Seven Network’s Hamish McLachlan and they were joined by 570 guests, which included several high-profile personalities and heads of Australian industry, all of whom who graciously embraced the Foundation’s cause.
Chairman of the Children’s Cancer Foundation, Jeremy Smith, paid tribute to the incredible generosity of the event’s cornerstone partners Crown Resorts, Australian Football League, Sportsbet and Lexus of Blackburn, with a special mention to the Children’s Cancer Foundations inaugural Patron, Gillon McLachlan.
“It is no coincidence that the period since Gill’s appointment in 2014 has been the most ambitious and productive in the history of the Foundation. Gill will shortly cease as Patron but will forever remain a dear friend of the Foundation,” said Jeremy.
Guest speaker, 23 year-old cancer survivor Taylah Miranda, bravely shared her personal childhood cancer experience and survivorship journey, which was met with a standing ovation from the room.
“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to share my story and give a piece of me to everyone in the room. The love, generosity, kindness and support I received was like no other,” Taylah said.
And in what was a notable highlight of the day, guests were thrilled when Taylah was announced winner of the Lexus UX 200 Luxury car – the result of a VERY kindly donated raffle ticket!
Auctioneers John Bongiorno and Nicholas Brooks from Marshall White graciously volunteered their time to assist with the live Auction. An impressive lineup of items, which included tickets to the sold-out Taylor Swift concert and a VIP Wimbledon experience, ensured the bidding was highly competitive.
While much-loved Aussie vocal duo Vika & Linda performed ‘Never Let Me Go’ and ‘When Will You Fall For Me’, and up and coming Melbourne based modern soul artist WILSN wowed guests with her powerful contemporary take on soul music.
The date for next year’s highly anticipated Million Dollar Lunch has been set for Friday, 23 August 2024.
