COMMUNITY-spirited business people have come together at a special Christmas lunch to raise more than $230,000 for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Hosted by Trinity Advisory, this is the third time the lunch has been held and it has now contributed $455,000 to the FNQ-based health charity.
Trinity Advisory co-owner Rod Sherrington said the lunch has become his favourite event of the year.
“It’s a wonderful time for bringing our amazing clients together. We are good friends with our clients and we share common goals and philosophies,” Mr Sherrington said. “This is a cause close to the hearts of the Trinity Advisory team. I’ve had my own personal battle with prostate cancer, having required the services of the Cairns Hospital and I believe if you receive, you need to give in return.
“Our community has supported us all in our businesses and we just want to support the community in return,” he said.
“We’re really delighted that 100 per cent of funds raised will go towards buying equipment to treat prostate cancer, which is the second most common cause of all male cancer deaths in Australia.”
Funds are raised through invitees donating to attend and either donating auction items or buying auction items.
“It’s quite incredible to watch the money pouring in on the day,” Mr Sherrington said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan was stunned at the outcome and acknowledged Rod and wife Sue’s long-term support of the charity.
“Over the past three years, Rod, Sue and the Trinity Advisory team have put their hearts and souls into this event,” Mrs Hogan said.
The team at Trinity work for three months leading up to the event, sourcing entertainment, the auctioneer, auction items, logistics and paying for the venue, food and drinks.
“It’s quite incredible for us to watch this remarkable outpouring of community support for health services. It really validates for us that the community is behind what we do,” she said.
“We believe this would have to be the most successful fundraising lunch that’s been held in Cairns and we are so honoured that we are chosen to be the recipients. Because of our commercial operations, all our administration costs are covered which means every cent of this support will go towards helping improve patient outcomes in FNQ.”
