Ladies who lunch raise €30K for Cuan

Almost €30,000 has been raised to support the work of the Cuan Cancer Support Group courtesy of a group of dynamic Cavan ladies who love to lunch.

The seventh annual Ladies Lunch was hosted in the Farnham Estate late last month with the proceeds going to the popular cancer support group locally.

Organiser Ranjit Elliot said it was “absolutely amazing” and they are delighted with the outcome.

“We had Spring Breaks playing for two hours and then DJ Barry Smith, which really kept the ladies on their feet. The whole place was buzzing. I don’t think there was anyone sitting down when the bands were playing,” she said.

“The fashion, the glamour was amazing, absolutely amazing. We had local businesses who took tables, we had people coming over from England, Dublin, different parts of the country,” continued Ranjit.

Telling the Celt about how the annual event first came about, Ranjit explained: “It originally started as a little idea I had in my head to raise money for Farnham National School for a playground and it just literally has grown from 69 ladies to 243 ladies at the last event.

“We also had a waiting list of ladies who would have loved to join us but unfortunately we just could not squeeze any more people in,” Ranjit revealed.

The event is sponsored by different businesses throughout Cavan.

Overwhelmed by the contributions, the organiser said: “We just had a humongous amount of support. Even on the day people were turning up with spot prizes, we were inundated. We advertised it on our Instagram and our tickets got sold within three days.”

Ranjit was also astounded by the incredible funds raised.

“At the moment we haven’t got a closed figure but it’s going to be in the range of €25,000 to €30,000. We’re still waiting for some money to come in from some sponsorship.”

The day began with a pre-drinks reception followed by a three-course meal.

Models then took to the stage for a fashion show featuring clothing from various local retailers.

There were spot prizes and a raffle also; as well as a prize for the best dressed lady on the night.

Various speakers throughout the event included a cancer patient who received care and support in Cavan.

“We had some members of the hospice there and radiographers, which was great, because one of the ladies who actually spoke for a few minutes about her journey with cancer was talking about how amazing the staff in Cavan were and we had 15 members there on the day,” explained Ranjit.

“It just made it extra,” she added.

Ranjit wished to thank everyone who helped make the event possible, including her fellow organisers Rosie Baker, Una Elliot, Sarah Boylan and Dorothy Clarke; and the team at the Farnham Estate.

She also gave special thanks to all the supporters and sponsors on the night.