A move to the Bennettswood Pavilion proved to be a contributing factor into Emmaus St. Leo's raising over $20,000 in funding for Breast Cancer research with this year's instalment of the annual Ladies Luncheon.
Previous years have seen the event held away from Bennettswood in nearby venues, however this year event organisers Harry Davis and Joden Crothers pulled off a spectacular feat by being able to arrange and run the event in the new clubrooms, transforming them into a fantastic pavilion for the event to be held.
Club President Alex Maunder was extremely impressed with the relocation of the event, with plans to go even further in 2020.
"Having brought the Ladies Luncheon back to the rooms at Bennettswood Pavilion we are looking to consolidate this for next year. We have a better understanding of the capacity of the space, and you can be rest assured that we will be doing everything we possibly can to make next year the biggest and best year yet!"
The day was enjoyed by all who attended, seeing new local MP for Burwood Will Fowles appear at the club for the first time since coming on as a new supporter, as well as NBCF guest speaker Katherine Sroka.
Most importantly, $21,078 was raised, all of which will go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to assist in their fight against Breast Cancer.
When asked about the result, President Maunder could not have been more elated with the outcome.
"I’m immensely proud of everyone involved from the club. Not just those organising, but everyone who reached out and asked someone to come along, or sent a message trying to find raffle prizes, or who shared the posts on our social media pages. It really does take a whole community to have an impact, and the Animals community have certainly risen to the challenge yet again, surpassing even our own expectations by cracking the $20K mark! I obviously have to thank Harry and Joden for all their amazing work in the planning process, but also the whole Davis family for making themselves available and continuing to drive the fundraising efforts."
Credit also goes out to our Men's opponent on the day, Manningham Cobras AFC, who were more than happy to help out with the fundraising efforts, which President Maunder was extremely gracious for.
"Our opposition on the day, Manningham, helped out by making their own donation, and their playing group also made a donation after the seniors’ match. We’d welcome all donations from anyone within the VAFA and encourage all clubs to make an effort to contribute beyond the walls of their own clubs."
On the field, it was a mixed day, with the Women falling gallantly to Oakleigh 32-13, the Reserves fought out a hard earned 106-81 victory, whilst the Seniors were downed in a old fashioned shootout 151-128