Nu Nu event shines

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) has been swept up in a wave of pink-tinged generosity, with the 21st Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Nu Nu Restaurant raising an incredible $120,000 for the Foundation’s Donate for DaNi campaign.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Coral Sea, the luncheon brought together a spirited flock of flamingo-inspired attendees for a day of glamour, fun, and heartfelt giving. Guests enjoyed world-class cuisine, breathtaking views, and the warm camaraderie of like-minded supporters, all in the name of advancing surgical care for our community.
“The Flamingo Luncheon was more than just a celebration of the Melbourne Cup; it was a celebration of generosity and community spirit,” Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said.
“Every dollar raised brings us closer to our goal of $4.3 million to purchase the Da Vinci surgical robot, affectionately named DaNi, for Cairns Hospital. This remarkable piece of technology will revolutionise surgical care in our region,” Mrs Hogan said.
Funds raised on the day bring total raised for the campaign since it was launched in May, to more than $2 million of the $4.3 million goal.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the attendees, donors, and the Nu Nu Restaurant team, whose support and enthusiasm made the event such a resounding success. From fabulously feathered hats to dazzling pink ensembles, the luncheon was a true testament to the community’s creativity and commitment.
In a mark of the event’s popularity, organisers announced that tickets sold out in just six minutes from go-live.
The Donate for DaNi campaign aims to ensure that patients in Far North Queensland have access to state-of-the-art surgical technology, reducing the need to travel for life-changing procedures.
NuNu co-owner Mo Rowbottom said the event, which sold out in six minutes, was agreat way to give back to the community.
“Today has been all about friends getting together, having lots of fun, in a beautiful setting in FNQ and we get to showcase a bounty of amazing food and most importantly, raise as much as we can for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation or DaNi the Surgical Robot,” Ms Rowbottom said.
“We really need this robot. It is more precise, less invasive half the recovery time and better patient outcome.”
The race day included a silent auction, fashions of the field competition, Melbourne Cup sweepstakes and the famous horse race on the beach.
Ex-racehorse The Mighty Mister Nibbles and his owner Danielle Jackman won the cup for the second year.
“He won his first one, we got pipped last year and were back this year,” Ms Jackman said.
To find out more about Donate for DaNi, visit www.fnqhf.org.au