The Australian Turf Club’s (ATC) inaugural Pink Fashion Lunch in support of the McGrath Foundation was held on Saturday 14th March at Rosehill Gardens, raising an incredible $17,000 through the sale of raffle tickets and on-ground donations.
The date also marked the beginning of the ATCs six-week Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and Chandon Ladies Day.
Rosehill Gardens was flooded in pink with pink racegoers, pink florals, pink carpets and pink rose lapels, and the Clerk of the Course Horse also donned a pink saddlecloth.
Outside the lunch, a host of pink McGrath Foundation volunteers were trackside raising funds for McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia.
The 400-strong ticketed Pink Fashion lunch was hosted by Renee Gartner in The Grand Pavilion and featured a glamorous pink carpet arrival. Canapés were accompanied by Moët Brut Rosé served in iconic Moët goblets, and followed by a specially curated three-course menu designed by Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival Chef Partner, Colin Fassnidge.
Australian pop-sensation Samantha Jade took centre stage to perform a medley of hits including her latest single, ‘Bounce’. Jade also sang an acoustic version of The Temptations’ “My Girl”, dedicating the tune to her late mother, who passed away from cancer.
Guests were also treated to a Women in Racing Panel with Group 1 horse trainer Kim Waugh and ATC Director Angela Belle McSweeney, and a vibrant Scanlan Theodore fashion runway, showcasing this season’s Autumn racewear trends with Nerida Winter millinery.
In support of the McGrath Foundation’s major raffle draw, milliner Nerida Winter created a stunning pink bespoke heart-shaped hat valued at $5,000. Other prizes included a $12,500 Cerrone necklace featuring 6.41ct Morganite surrounded by 1.18ct of diamonds and a Longines Equestrian Collection timepiece, valued at $2050 among other exciting prizes.
McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director Tracy Bevan attended the Pink Fashion Lunch and thanked the ATC for their support.
“We’re fans of anything pink here at the McGrath Foundation. Combine that with the chance to get dressed up with your girlfriends and support a good cause and we couldn’t be happier.
“Thank you so much to the ATC for supporting us through such a fun event. It was a day to remember and we can’t wait for next year.”
