On Friday, 28 February, the Melbourne community gathered at ZINC, Federation Square, for Lunch by the Yarra. With views of the Yarra River, guests enjoyed an afternoon of food, entertainment, and fundraising – all for a cause close to many hearts.
The event, run by Epworth Medical Foundation, raised an incredible $1.5 million for the Jreissati Family Pancreatic Centre at Epworth. The money will go towards life-saving medical equipment, research, and improving care for people with pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early, and survival rates remain low. That’s why every dollar raised makes such a difference – helping to improve treatment and give hope to patients and their families.
A highlight of the day was the fundraising auction led by Marshall White director and auctioneer Nicholas Brooks. His energy and connection with the crowd helped drive the fundraising to record levels. Reflecting on the event, Brooks said:
"Lunch by the Yarra has quickly become one of the signature lunches on the Melbourne social calendar. The commitment of sponsors and supporters to the cause, championed by Elias, his family, and the whole team at the Epworth, is something that always makes it such a warm, supportive, and fun afternoon. I’ve been fortunate to call the auction each year since the lunch started, and every year, the auction items and guest speakers seem to reach a new level – a truly amazing day."
Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved – from sponsors to guests – Lunch by the Yarra continues to make a real difference. All funds go directly to the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre, helping improve patient care and giving hope to people and families affected by this disease.
With each event like this, we edge closer to changing the future of pancreatic cancer treatment and care.
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