Annual Lunchtime Rumours Feast raises record breaking $284,000

The 14th annual Lunchtime Rumours Feast was held last week in Melbourne, raising “a new fundraising high in excess of $284,000” for the advocacy organisation, which has been working with children and families since 1896.

Kids First Australia aim to set in place the foundations for better lives, better care and most importantly prevention, within the most diverse and challenging sector of community care by delivering ground-breaking, evidence-based programs to children, young people and families.

Services offered by Kids First Australia include professional support for complex issues of sexual abuse, child neglect, family violence, homelessness, poverty, mental health, drug and alcohol issues and the consequent trauma experienced.

The Lunchtime Rumours Feast is the organisation’s largest fundraising event for the year. More than 450 attendees were present to champion the work of the organisation, and to raise funds to support Kids First’s services that span group programs, supported playgroups, in-home visits, early learning, one to one counselling and more.

The event was held at the Plaza Ballroom and hosted by Hamish McLachlan. Many Melbourne media icons were present, including including Ross Stevenson and John Burns from 3AW, and Peter Hitchener of the Nine network, as well as a rousing performance of ‘Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’ by Picket Palace, and Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier performing her classic ‘It’s only the beginning’.

A live auction closed out the day, with more than $100,000 raised for purchase of items that were generously provided by the event sponsors.

Kids First Australia said they were “incredibly grateful to all those who showed their support and belief in the work we do by attending the day, and to the event sponsors who gave so generously”.

“We also salute the tireless efforts of event organisers Elaine Marriner, Margaret Robinson and Leonie McNicol. Without their involvement the Lunchtime Rumours Feast would not be possible,” a spokesperson said.

To learn more about Kids First, please visit its website.