Unite4Kids Gala Lunch in pictures: Did we take your photo?

This year’s Unite4Kids Gala Lunch was a huge success thanks to the generosity of its supporters. Spot anyone you know?

Libby Rayner, Lucy Maunder and Francesca Belperio. Picture: Dean Martin

Holly Mead and her best friends for life all have million dollar smiles and some – thanks to the generosity of guests at The Advertiser Foundation’s Unite4Kids Gala Luncheon.

Ben, Holly and Kim Mead. Picture: Dean Martin

Bobby Fox. Picture: Dean Martin

Bobby Fox, Angela Condous and Markus Hamence. Picture: Dean Martin

Childhood cancer survivor Holly, who turns 16 on Friday, and her parents Ben and Kim, were yesterday among 700 guests at Adelaide Oval for the sold-out event hosted by Channel 7’s Mark Soderstrom.

It was raising funds for Childhood Cancer Association, Clown Doctors and Starlight Children’s Foundation.

\Louise Rodgers, Bianca Borrett, and Tracey Noblet from the Childhood Cancer Association. Picture: Dean Martin

Back after a four-year hiatus because of Covid, the luncheon was the sixth of its kind.

The Advertiser Foundation patron Angela Condous said Unite4Kids’ fundraising tally had just reached a major milestone.

“We had raised a total of $750,000, but we are now over the $1m mark – it’s a wonderful result thanks to the incredible generosity of South Australians,” she said. “Tickets to Michael Buble, with a meet and greet, were auctioned for $30,000 alone. Overall, we raised $290,000 at the 2023 gala lunch – with more donations still expected to flow in.”

Heather Clark and Christiana Moore. Picture: Dean Martin

Mark Soderstrom and Julian Burton. Picture: Dean Martin

Unite4Kids was founded by the Meads and Mrs Condous after she was told of Holly’s story; two weeks before her seventh birthday she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In remission for six years, she has never forgotten the difference the Childhood Cancer’s mascot Elliot, the Clown Doctors and Captain Starlights made during her treatment.

Dani Barnett, Hayley McDonald, and Hannah Moore, with Clown Doctor, Dr. Blot. Picture: Dean Martin

As Mrs Mead told Unite4Kids supporters at the lunch, the three charities gave Holly happiness to help her “have a childhood through those hospital days”.

“They were my best friends and still are,” Holly said.

“I am healthy, living and loving life.”

Victoria Chigwidden, Mandy Nasuti, and Kristie Meier. Picture: Dean Martin

Greg Rundle, David and Tiff Prescott, with Kay and Julian Burton. Picture: Dean Martin

Speakers yesterday included the Meads and 10-year-old Georgia Everett, who was told in April that she was finally cancer-free after battling leukaemia, and her family.

The lunch’s keynote speaker was Julian Burton from the Burton Foundation, which recently signed on as a platinum supporter.

Entertainment was provided by Mary Poppins the Musical star Lucy Maunder, Bobby Fox and Hans.

Vicky Brown and Natalie Renna. Picture: Dean Martin

Brittany and Deanna Fyfe. Picture: Dean Martin