The luncheon, which was originally run by Theresa Jacobs and Lucille George, previously raised funds towards the oncology unit at Echuca Regional Health.
In 2021, the luncheon was passed on to Susan Eacott and Pam Fraser who joined forces to keep the tradition of the luncheon alive.
This year’s event will raise funds towards the new cancer and wellness centre.
As to what you can expect at the luncheon, Ms Eacott said: “We have our lunch, we socialise, we have a raffle, and we auction off some prizes.’’
“It’s really just good friends coming together for a very good cause, raffles and lucky door prizes.”
The luncheon will be held at the Echuca Hotel on Friday, May 13, from noon to 3pm.
Each ticket will cost $35 and is inclusive of a lunch (without a drink).
There are 130 tickets to the event which Ms Eacott said were in high demand as they manage to sell out each year.
“I expect that once something comes out in the paper, the tickets will be more or less gone within about a week or 10 days,” she said.
The fundraiser is particularly meaningful to Ms Eacott as she has been through her own personal journey with cancer.
She regularly had to travel with her husband to and from Melbourne for treatment.
“My husband had to take time off work to come down to Melbourne with me and support me through all my treatment,” Ms Eacott said.
“When you travel for treatment, you're leaving your family and friends behind here.”
Ms Eacott welcomes the arrival of the centre with open arms.
She said it was an opportunity for locals who were struggling with cancer to be close to their loved ones.
After her own journey with cancer, Ms Eacott joined the fundraising committee at ERH which has seen her being involved in organising a number of fundraising events.
She admitted that one of her favourite fundraising events was the annual Autumn Ladies Luncheon, which had become embedded within the fabric of the community.
“Last year, I took on the luncheon because I thought that it's too good of an event to throw away,” she said.
“It’s got such a great following from the ladies of Echuca Moama and I just couldn’t let it go.”
Last year, more than 30 businesses donated to the event, which Ms Eacott said demonstrated the sheer generosity of the community.
“Many within the local community are doing their own fundraising for the centre and then it all comes together into the one pot, which is just great.
“I love getting involved with the community because they have a great supportive spirit for important causes.”
Ms Eacott said any donations of any size were welcome and could help to make a positive contribution.
To book a seat at the lunch or make a donation, phone Susan Eacott on 0428 824 110 or Theresa Jacobs on 5482 2765.
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