October 24, 2024 – Sydney Town Hall: Last Thursday, Highland celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Blue Lunch in grand style at the iconic Sydney Town Hall, marking the most successful event to date. With 600 guests in attendance and concluding with an electric set by Australian music icon Diesel, the event raised $450,857 for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation (SCHF), supporting the foundation’s efforts to expand their Base of Skull Service (BOSS), a first-of-its-kind service in the Southern Hemisphere.
This year’s milestone Blue Lunch event was a true celebration of Highland’s decade-long commitment to the SCHF, a partnership that has now raised almost $2.5 million in support of children facing some of life’s toughest challenges. What started as a local charity lunch at Sealevel restaurant in Cronulla in 2014, has grown into a hallmark fundraising event for attendees in the Sutherland Shire and now attracts support from like-minded guests, businesses and communities Sydney-wide. This is a testament to the growth of the Highland Group over the past 17 years and the expansion of their own network from South-East Queensland, throughout Sydney and to the Southern Highlands.
David Highland, CEO of Highland, reflected on the significance of the event: “To see how the Blue Lunch has evolved over the last 10 years, showcases our community’s generosity and our team’s dedication for a worthy cause. From 180 people at our first ever event to 600 this year at Sydney Town Hall, we’ve been able to expand our reach and, most importantly, our impact.”
The theme of the day was Alice In Wonderland, a whimsical nod to a child-like escape from those facing the horrors of childhood sickness in order to raise awareness of the life-saving BOSS Service. From magicians to colourful characters, trumpeters, and the grandeur of Sydney Town Hall's magnificent organs, the event featured a remarkable entertainment lineup, including a stunning 11-piece string ensemble, 20 drummers, saxophone, keys, percussion, and violin performances, and a stirring speech from Dr Catherine Banks an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon who works with BOSS, ensuring the real reason for the gathering was front in attendees minds. The service has the potential to transform countless lives, and Thursday’s event played a pivotal role in ensuring this cutting-edge care continues to be available for children in need.
The 2024 Blue Lunch would not have been possible without the generous support of major sponsors – Purnell Jaguar Land Rover, Ahoy Club, Modus Projects, Maker Made Studios, Terma Ferma, Feros Group, Sammut Group, SBA Earthmoving Attachments, MTD Plumbing, Travel Associates, Cougar MG, and Bowral Kubota, as well as many others. Their involvement helped turn this milestone event into Highland’s most successful Blue Lunch yet.
David Highland expressed his gratitude for all those involved: “It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces who have supported us over the years, as well as new attendees who share our commitment to the cause. The energy in the room was electric, and with surprise guest Diesel closing the day’s festivities, we couldn’t have asked for a better celebration for this milestone year.”
As Highland looks to the future, their commitment to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation remains stronger than ever. “We are already excited to see what the next decade of The Blue Lunch will bring,” says Mr Highland. “Our team, sponsors, guests and supporters have helped us build something truly special, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the SCHF to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.”
Key Facts:
October 24, 2024 – Sydney Town Hall: Last Thursday, Highland celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Blue Lunch in grand style at the iconic Sydney Town Hall, marking the most successful event to date. With 600 guests in attendance and concluding with an electric set by Australian music icon Diesel, the event raised $450,857 for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation (SCHF), supporting the foundation’s efforts to expand their Base of Skull Service (BOSS), a first-of-its-kind service in the Southern Hemisphere.
Contact details:
For more information on The Blue Lunch and how to get involved, please contact Rebecca Mulder at 0414 944 721 or [email protected].