Charity gala event a recipe for Christmas cheer

More than $34,000 has been raised at the fourth 5-Star Chefs for Charity event, which will be used to bring some festive cheer to those doing it tough during the Christmas period.

Held at the Pullman Cairns International on Friday night, the gala charity dinner featured dishes prepared by executive chefs from Pullman Cairns International, as well as the Hilton Cairns, Shangri-La and the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.

The 140 people in attendance helped raise over $34,000 for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal to purchase food hampers for families and members of the community who need a helping hand during the festive period.

Cairns Acting Mayor Terry James thanked the hoteliers, those who donated to the event, and of course those who attended, for their generosity.

“This dinner has certainly become a signature event on the Cairns calendar and the support from the local business community has been simply outstanding,” Cr James said.

“Along with the four hotels, I want to acknowledge the support of major event sponsor Bendigo Bank, as well as Wolf Lane Distillery and other suppliers, our media partners, and all those people and businesses who have supported this event.

“The result is that over the course of the four charity dinner events, more than $150,000 has been raised for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.”

Cr James said 750 hampers were packed and distributed in 2022, with a similar number expected to be provided this year.

“The funds raised from the gala dinner, along with the $22,000 raised at the Mayor’s Charity Golf Day earlier this year, will contribute to the $90,000 needed this year to provide those 750 hampers,” he said.

“Anyone in the community who would like to make a donation to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, can do so by visiting our website.”