Sydney rains couldn’t stop the resurrection of the roaring twenties at Tuesday night’s (12 June) Great Gatsby themed ‘Cosmopolitans for a Cause’ fundraiser event hosted by venue group J&J O’Brien (JJO) for the McGrath Foundation.
The Watershed Hotel hosted hundreds of guests for the 5th consecutive year which continued its support of breast cancer, having supported the McGrath Foundation and Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation in previous years. Cosmopolitan cocktails poured out from the bar while guests enjoyed an array of delicious canapés, mini cupcakes, bambino cones, the lively party, Butlers in the Buff and the energetic performance of live band One Hit Wonders who belted out all the favourites.
The Great Gatsby themed event saw over $7300 raised for the McGrath Foundation.
This year saw an increase in male guests who’ve cottoned on the delightfully joyful females who frequent the fundraiser each year. Although slightly wet on arrival, the rain did not dampen the mood inside the Sydney Darling Harbour venue, which was decked out in lavish garden party and ballroom style, with a respectable $7308 raised for the McGrath Foundation.
A large portion of the funds were due to the reputable raffle which consisted of a record 14 prizes from leading global fashion houses, hospitality groups and the best of health and beauty labels. The valuable donation will aid in the Foundations two main objectives: to raise money to place breast care nurses in communities right across Australia; and to educate young women to become breast aware.
Guests were greeted by a bevy of male hosts handing out cosmo’s plus four ‘Butlers in the Buff’ who presented the raffle prizes which topped $12,000 this year and included a Gucci Tigrette Clutch $1960, Bulgari B.zero1 Earrings $1820 and Miu Miu Madras Shoulder Bag $1690 along with many other prizes. No one left empty handed as each guest received a gift bag filled with a collection of munchies, fashion tid-bits and health & beauty products valued over $130 each.
“This year’s Cosmopolitans for a Cause exceeded expectation given the poor weather conditions. The generosity of guests was wonderful and everyone looked beautiful. The entertainment was very enjoyable and overall it was a fabulous event for the company and of course for the McGrath Foundation who we are so happy to have supported again this year,” said J & J O’Brien director, Judith Crawley.
Sponsors for the event included Gucci, Bulgari, Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo, Peep Toe, Meriton, Revlon, Butlers in the Buff, Moet Hennessey, Joh Bailey, Gorgeous Cosmetics, Smirnoff, The Belvedere Hotel, Accor Group, Hordern Pavilion and many more.
The McGrath Foundation, celebrating 10 years, raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities’ right across Australia, as well as increasing breast awareness in young Australian women. Breast cancer is a disease that currently affects one in nine Australian women of all ages and backgrounds.
JJO is a Sydney hospitality group comprising of a number of Sydney’s venues including Jacksons on George and the Marlborough Hotel.
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