Melbourne’s powerbrokers come together to raise money for Children’s Cancer Foundation

Melbourne’s top mover and shakers will converge on Friday for one of the city’s biggest social and charity events.

Jeremy Smith, Gill McLachlan, Vance Joy at the Million Dollar Lunch before the pandemic. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Melbourne’s top mover and shakers — and more importantly, money raisers — will converge on Friday for one of the city’s biggest social and charity events.

The Million Dollar Lunch at Crown Palladium, which raises money for the Children’s Cancer Foundation, will host A-listers from politics, business, sport and entertainment.

Politicians, present and past, scheduled to attend the lunch include Jaala Pulford, Greg Hunt, Martin Pakula Michael O’Brien.

Footy leaders Gillon McLachlan, Stephen Silvagni, Luke Sayers and Jeff Browne have also RSVP’ed, as have broadcasters Chrissie Swan, Kate Langbroek, Jo Hall and Sarah Jones, musicians Mark Seymour, Mia Wray and Tottie Goldsmith, and philanthropist Heloise Pratt.

The Million Dollar Lunch has raised more than $21.6 million since its launch in 2005 for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

“It is the greatest and only fundraising event in Australia that can raise over one million dollars over the course of a three hour lunch,” Ann Peacock, Crown’s general manager, community and charity, said.

Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni.

Collingwood president Jeff Browne.

TV personality Chrissie Swan.

TV personality Kate Langbroek

“The lunch brings much needed financial resources and raises awareness to the needs of children and their families going through the pain of cancer.”

She added: “Over the years, we have been able to raise over $23 million, and with a return to Crown post-Covid, we are excited to host this wonderful event — with the lunch entirely cost-free to the (Children’s Cancer Foundation) – and make another wonderful contribution to the needs of those affected by this insidious disease.”

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said: “It is a privilege to be the patron of the Children’s Cancer Foundation and The Million Dollar Lunch and as the father of four children, the commitment of the Foundation is deeply important to me. The difference being made to children’s lives every day continues to be repaid many times over — as we work towards a vision of a 100 per cent cure rate.”