March 18, 2020

On Saturday 14th March, the Australian Turf Club (ATC) hosted the inaugural Pink Fashion Lunch in support of the McGrath Foundation on Chandon Ladies Day at Rosehill Gardens, raising a total of $17,000 with all funds going toward helping increase the number of McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

Sydney celebrities, socialites and racing industry guests were out in force as they joined the ticketed event with over 350 guests in attendance, including Sydney Autumn Carnival Ambassador, Phoebe Burgess, wide of cricketing great Steve Smith, Dani Willis, racing royalty Kate Waterhouse and renowned chef, Colin Fassnidge – who also created a three-course menu for the Pink Fashion Lunch.

Throughout the afternoon, guests were treated to an eye-catching Autumn runway curated by Scanlan Theodore, and an intimate performance by Australian pop-sensation Samantha Jade, who took to the stage to perform a medley of hits, dedicated to her late mother.

The McGrath Foundation hosted a major raffle with generously donated items including a $12,500 Cerrone necklace featuring 6.41ct morganite surrounded by 1.18ct of diamonds, a Longines Equestrian Collection timepiece, valued at $2,050 and a bespoke headpiece handcrafted by Sydney based milliner, Nerida Winter, who created a stunning pink heart-shaped hat valued at $5,000, especially donated for the event in memory of her two grandmothers, who both passed away from breast cancer.

McGrath Foundation Director and Ambassador, Tracy Bevan, was proud of the energy and efforts put into the day and celebrated those in attendance.

“It was such a privilege to attend the Pink Fashion Lunch and see people coming together to support the McGrath Foundation in such style. From the fabulous pink outfits to the entertainment and the incredible menu Colin Fassnidge curated. I’m still thinking about the dessert!,” Ms Bevan said.

“Thank you so much to Australian Turf Club. It is only through the support of generous Australians, community fundraisers and corporate partners such as the Australian Turf Club that we can do what we do. We’re already looking forward to next year!”

“While we all find ourselves in a testing time, the Australian Turf Club was thrilled to raise over $17,000 for the McGrath Foundation at the inaugural Pink Fashion Lunch event on Chandon Ladies Day, Sydney’s first pink raceday, to help raise funds for McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who support people with breast cancer and their families, from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment,” Ms Black said.

“We look forward to growing this wonderful event in years to come and to further build our partnership with the McGrath Foundation.