THE 2020 Support Homeless People Luncheon to be held on Friday 3 April at the Barn Palais has sold out. Five hundred people will gather to be entertained by emcee Rupert McCall OAM and hear keynote speaker Melanie Cooper AM at the premier fundraising and business networking event for the Limestone Coast.
The first luncheon was held in 2012 and was the brainchild of the late philanthropist Barry Maney OAM and Barry Maney Group dealer principal Barry Stafford.
When they learnt of the work local non-profit agency ac.care was doing for people experiencing homelessness, they wanted to create an event to raise awareness and funds to help, according to Mr Stafford, who continues to chair the organising committee.
“To have the luncheon sell-out one month before the event has blown me and my committee away,” he said.
“We have businesses who have supported the event since its inception and as soon as we let them know it’s on again, they purchase their tables.”
He said the appeal of an emcee of the international reputation of Mr McCall, along with Ms Cooper as the first female keynote speaker, would set the luncheon apart from previous events.
“Each year we get asked to increase the ticket numbers,” Mr Stafford said.
“We decided some time ago that because this event is about relationships, and it is those relationships that lead to substantial donations, we cap it at 500.
“I thank the work of my committee – Anne Hinkly-Tyler and Robin Reid were on the founding committee with the late Mr Maney and myself. They have been joined by Astyn Reid, Di Ind and Jason Wallace and together donate their time, passion and expertise to make this happen. It means the legacy of the late Mr Maney continues.”
Courtesy buses will be available from central Mount Gambier to The Barn for ticket-holders, returning after the event.
Doors open at noon for a 12.30pm start.
