Public House Management Group’s Harriet Waugh and fashion entrepreneur Deborah Symond O’Neil have held the sixth Ladies Luncheon, raising $550,000 for the Royal Hospital for Women.
The annual event was founded by Harriet and Mitchell Waugh in 2016 after their four-month stay at The Royal Hospital for Women following the birth of their first daughter, Sienna.
Harriet said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the generosity of our supporters. Raising $550,000 will ensure that the Royal Hospital for Women continues to offer the best care and equipment to babies in need.
“As someone who has personally benefited from the exceptional care at the Royal, I’m proud to see our community come together to make a real difference.”
This year’s event attracted notable attendees including Georgie Curran, Sheeva Tavakoli, Michael Porter, Natalie Barr, Barbara Coombes, and Sky Leckie OAM. Guests participated in a live auction featuring coveted items such as a custom Matthew Ely Jewellery necklace valued at $35,000, a one-night stay at Crown Sydney’s Presidential Villa, and a LANCE Superyacht Experience on Sydney Harbour.
In addition to the auction the 170 guests united in their commitment to supporting neonatal services for sick and preterm infants during their critical early days.
The NICU at the Royal Hospital for Women relies heavily on non-government donations, funding over 80 per cent of its life-saving specialised equipment. This year’s fundraising efforts will be directed toward acquiring vital medical technology, including the $260,000 Voluson E22 ultrasound machine, which is crucial for diagnosing and managing health complications in high-risk pregnancies.
Additional funding will support NICU equipment such as the Draeger Babyleo ($75,000), Draegar High Frequency Ventilator ($85,000), and Draegar Humidicrib ($45,000).
Elise Jennings, CEO of the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation, said: “The funds raised this year will directly contribute to purchasing advanced medical technology like the Voluson E22 ultrasound machine, which will help us diagnose and treat complications early, giving newborns the best chance at survival.”
Since its inception in 2016, the Ladies Luncheon has raised over $2.3m, ensuring that the Royal Hospital for Women can replace aging equipment and continue to provide life-saving care well into the future.
For more information about the Ladies Luncheon and to make a donation head to the Royal Hospital for Women website.