Millions raised for research
$2.02m to fight prostate cancer
THE It’s A Bloke Thing luncheon has smashed its fundraising target, raising $2,024,000.
Chairman David Russell said the goal for the prostate cancer awareness event was to raise something higher than the $1.53 million raised last year.
“We basically beat last year’s total by half a million dollars,” he said.
“That was through the generosity of our sponsors, those who bought auction items, a car raffle and low cost base in terms of so much stuff being donated to us.
“I’m a bit over the moon. It was such a massive day.”
Mr Russell said he hoped everyone was able to take home the main message of the lunch.
“Early detection saves lives, that’s the most critical message we have,” he said.
“We need our fathers, brothers, anyone involved in men’s health, to get their regular check-ups, talk to their GP, know their score and be on top of their health.”
TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley joined Keith Urban as one of three special guests at the event. The third was Australian country singer Mick Lindsay.
“My father passed of prostate cancer,” Ms Kennerley said.
“He had it for 17 years. “It’s one of the issues men can live with that’s not fun.”
Ms Kennerley had earlier on Monday morning been announced as the new panellist on Studio 10, Channel 10’s morning TV show.
“They wanted me in Melbourne (for the announcement), but no, I’m in Toowoomba,” she said.
Celebrity chef Alastair McLeod catered the event and said the menu was a love letter to the Toowoomba region.
“There’s never been a better time to shine a light on our farmers, considering how dry it is,” Mr McLeod said.