This week two leading Sydney pubs have joined forces with rugby ambassadors to generate funds and awareness for charities helping everyday Australians.
W. Short Hotel Group again hosted its annual Bledisloe Cup Luncheon, for the Gidget Foundation, founded by Marty Short’s wife, Simone Short.
The Gidget Foundation supports new and expectant parents suffering anxiety and depression, which affects around one in seven mothers and one in ten fathers in Australia, and is both debilitating to the sufferer(s) and a factor in early childhood care concerns.
The popular event was attended by over 140 guests and celebrities, including Wallabies and Waratahs stars, and representatives of Fox Sports and the Gidget Foundation.
Entertainment included a “feisty panel” discussing all things Bledisloe Cup, and games such as the ‘coin toss’ between Waratah Stephen Hoiles and Wallaby great Rod Kafer, before the live auction, offering prizes such as an all-expenses trip to Aspen.
Taking place atop the magnificent Glenmore Hotel’s rooftop, overlooking the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney skyline, the 2017 luncheon on Wednesday (16 August) raised more than $60,000 for the Foundation.
Marty Short told PubTIC the charity is “close to our hearts” and one about which they are extremely passionate.
“The Foundation is not-for-profit, receives no government assistance and relies solely on the generous contributions of private donors.
“We’re proud to facilitate such an event along with the support of Fox Sports, to bring together rugby greats and rugby fans over a fun lunch to raise much-needed funds and awareness for this cause.”
Across the coathanger, Mitchell Waugh’s Public House Management Group (PHMG) hosted its Mosman edition of the Sportsman’s Charity Lunch, at Bistro Moncur in The Buena, in support of the Black Dog Institute.
The Black Dog Institute is internationally recognised as a pioneer in the identification, prevention and treatment of mental illness, adopting rapid translation of high-quality research into improved clinical treatments, increased accessibility and long-term solutions.
The inaugural event at Bistro Moncur Mosman saw 85 guests enjoy a three-course meal of the acclaimed French fare, to the sounds of “tips, tricks and career highlights” of sporting greats.
VIP guests included 2GB’s Ben Fordham, rugby great Richard Harry and former rugby player now media heavy-weight, Peter Fitzsimons.
Funds came through personal pledges and an auction called by Damien Cooley offering the likes of an IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Timepiece, and an all-expenses paid trip to the award-winning Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.
The Sportman’s lunch was the first of several charity events PHMG will host at the Mosman Bitro Moncur, which opened late last year.
It follows from PHMG’s recent success at the Woollahra Hotel instalment, raising over $200,000 for Sydney Children’s Hospital. This week brought the Group’s charity efforts to over $475,000 in the past year.
“We are thrilled with the result from yesterday’s lunch in Bistro Moncur, Mosman,” stated PHMG CEO Mitchell Waugh.
“Black Dog Institute is such a worthwhile charity, and the $95,000 raised will contribute greatly to better establish their E-platforms and Educational tools for children.”
