Longest lunch serves up success

MORE than 250 people have helped to raise $65,000 for the Barwon Health Foundation at Geelong’s Longest Lunch.

The culinary event was held at Transvaal Square last Friday, and has been hailed a great success.

Guests were treated to four courses including expertly-crafted canapes and matching wines from some of the region’s most award-winning chefs.

Chefs donating their time and expertise included Mike Jaques of TARRA Queenscliff, Cory Hyde of 1915, Eli Grubb of Woolstore Restaurant & Bar, Chris Hudich of The Wharf Shed, Chris Hassan of the Meredith Hotel, Daniel Brehaut of The Davidson, and Nadine Cacho of Empire Grill.

The chefs also gave away a one-of-a-kind dining experience at each of their venues during the live auction.

The auction itself was one of the most successful in recent memory, raising over $24,000 for those in need.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said some guests described the event as the best the region has ever hosted.

“Most people there on the day will have been touched by the comfort and care of Barwon Health, in some way,” Ms Waters said.

“Events like Geelong’s Longest Lunch play a crucial role in supporting our foundation, enabling us to fund cutting edge medical equipment, life-saving clinical trials and the development of new health facilities to meet the healthcare needs of our growing community.

“Our mission is to raise funds to ensure local families receive the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”