Million Dollar Lunch breaks all records for children charity fundraising
Announcement posted by Encore Event Technologies 22 Aug 2018
The Children’s Cancer Foundation Million Dollar Lunch soared to incredible new heights last week, raising a record $2.5m in 2018. A stellar line-up of over 600 celebrities, socialites and high-profile business leaders descended on Crown Melbourne for the glamorous luncheon and to make a difference for Australian children faced with cancer.
Encore Event Technologies were responsible for the audio-visual, lighting and custom multimedia for this milestone event, as well as conceptualising and pitching to event organisers the visionary theme, galaxies, to create an astonishing experience from out of this world.
Upon arrival at the world-class venue, guests were prepared for launch within the pre-function cocktail space, emulating the interior of an actual rocket ship, replete with boarding sounds and lighting simulations.
The immersive theatrics continued after cocktails as the shuttle doors of the “rocket ship” cocktail space opened to reveal two tunnels, leading to the Palladium Ballroom. Thanks to the cunning use of fog jets and creative lighting, the experience was one of mystery, excitement and discovery. The VIP guests emerged from the mist to orbit a glamorous new world as the ultimate reveal of the beautifully-lit ballroom was unveiled.
Under a draped ceiling covered in twinkling, starry lights, returning MCs Edwina Bartholomew and Hamish McLachlan enchanted the audience and introduced a touching story from beneficiaries of the Children’s Cancer Foundation. With heartfelt sincerity and firsthand experience, the parents shared insight into the emotional turmoil each family with a sick child feels; echoing some of the audience’s own personal experiences.
Behind the hosts stood 14 hexagonal screens and a “3D-effect” diamond outlined in LED lights to reflect the windows of a spaceship. The backdrop radiated with the out-of-this-world performance by the LED dancing troupe, which relaunched the room’s energy, providing balance and flow for the day’s event.
After a delectable three-course lunch, specially-designed by renowned Crown chefs to complement the theme, was the main event: The Grand Auction and Volvo Premium Raffle. The electrifying auction went off with a bang, and auctioneer, Peter Heagney, could barely keep up with the fast-paced bidding from all corners of the Palladium Ballroom.
Ten once-in-a-lifetime experiences were auctioned, from luxury holiday escapes to world-class curated dining events. Along with the raffle items, the Million Dollar Lunch exceeded its name, ultimately raising a record-breaking $2,503,350.
To keep up the tempo, Australian singer-songwriter and popstar, Samantha Jade, brought the house down with a stellar performance to cap off the extraordinary occasion.
Mark Holmes, Executive General Manager – Food & Beverage, Crown Melbourne, spoke about the event’s success,
“Encore Event Technologies were once again able to deliver and ensure the event was a success! As a valued partner they contribute in terms of every aspect of the event from the initial concept, to design, to flow and of course the content - once again a memorable event was delivered – thank you. The entire luncheon was seamless and remained true to our objectives, while contributing to a very worthy cause.”
For media enquiries please contact:
Sammy Dalglish, Group Account Director, Zadro
02 9212 7867 | sammy@zadroagency.com.au
Tracey Hoffman, Account Coordinator, Zadro
02 9212 7867 | tracey@zadroagency.com.au
Images: High resolution images available upon request.
ABOUT ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES
Encore Event Technologies is a leading global provider of audiovisual, event technology and production services at over 460 hotels, resorts and convention centers worldwide. With roots in staging and production services, Encore delivers comprehensive and innovative audiovisual and staging services that cater to the unique needs of hotels, hotel-casinos and resorts across North America, including Mexico, and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and is the premier one-stop shop for event planning, design and staging and production services.
For more information, visit www.encore-anzpac.com
ABOUT ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES IN ASIA
Encore Event Technologies in Asia is on site at many of the premium hotels in China, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. The Beijing head office also services many major corporate clients and offers full event production services, from event design and production management to audiovisual, technical, video, creative and digital services. Our teams know how to convey your message and deliver the most compelling event solution possible.
For more information visit www.encore-asia.com
ABOUT FREEMAN
Freeman is the world’s leading brand experience company. We help our clients design and deliver immersive live experiences for their most important audiences. Through comprehensive offerings including strategy, creative, logistics, digital, and event technology, Freeman helps increase audience engagement and drive business results. What makes us different is our collaborative culture, intuitive knowledge, global perspective, and personalized approach, which we’ve gained from our 90 years as an industry leader.
For more information, please visit https://www.freeman.com/
ABOUT THE FREEMAN COMPANY
The Freeman Company helps create meaningful connections for global audiences. A family-owned organization, it is comprised of leading brand experience company, Freeman; venue-based audio-visual and production company, Encore Event Technologies; and Alford Media, a boutique event technology specialist. With more than 90 locations globally and over 7,000 employees we are dedicated to delivering the best experiences and business outcomes possible for our clients.
For more information, visit https://www.freeman.com/
Encore Event Technologies were responsible for the audio-visual, lighting and custom multimedia for this milestone event, as well as conceptualising and pitching to event organisers the visionary theme, galaxies, to create an astonishing experience from out of this world.
Upon arrival at the world-class venue, guests were prepared for launch within the pre-function cocktail space, emulating the interior of an actual rocket ship, replete with boarding sounds and lighting simulations.
The immersive theatrics continued after cocktails as the shuttle doors of the “rocket ship” cocktail space opened to reveal two tunnels, leading to the Palladium Ballroom. Thanks to the cunning use of fog jets and creative lighting, the experience was one of mystery, excitement and discovery. The VIP guests emerged from the mist to orbit a glamorous new world as the ultimate reveal of the beautifully-lit ballroom was unveiled.
Under a draped ceiling covered in twinkling, starry lights, returning MCs Edwina Bartholomew and Hamish McLachlan enchanted the audience and introduced a touching story from beneficiaries of the Children’s Cancer Foundation. With heartfelt sincerity and firsthand experience, the parents shared insight into the emotional turmoil each family with a sick child feels; echoing some of the audience’s own personal experiences.
Behind the hosts stood 14 hexagonal screens and a “3D-effect” diamond outlined in LED lights to reflect the windows of a spaceship. The backdrop radiated with the out-of-this-world performance by the LED dancing troupe, which relaunched the room’s energy, providing balance and flow for the day’s event.
After a delectable three-course lunch, specially-designed by renowned Crown chefs to complement the theme, was the main event: The Grand Auction and Volvo Premium Raffle. The electrifying auction went off with a bang, and auctioneer, Peter Heagney, could barely keep up with the fast-paced bidding from all corners of the Palladium Ballroom.
Ten once-in-a-lifetime experiences were auctioned, from luxury holiday escapes to world-class curated dining events. Along with the raffle items, the Million Dollar Lunch exceeded its name, ultimately raising a record-breaking $2,503,350.
To keep up the tempo, Australian singer-songwriter and popstar, Samantha Jade, brought the house down with a stellar performance to cap off the extraordinary occasion.
Mark Holmes, Executive General Manager – Food & Beverage, Crown Melbourne, spoke about the event’s success,
“Encore Event Technologies were once again able to deliver and ensure the event was a success! As a valued partner they contribute in terms of every aspect of the event from the initial concept, to design, to flow and of course the content - once again a memorable event was delivered – thank you. The entire luncheon was seamless and remained true to our objectives, while contributing to a very worthy cause.”
-ends-
For media enquiries please contact:
Sammy Dalglish, Group Account Director, Zadro
02 9212 7867 | sammy@zadroagency.com.au
Tracey Hoffman, Account Coordinator, Zadro
02 9212 7867 | tracey@zadroagency.com.au
Images: High resolution images available upon request.
ABOUT ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES
Encore Event Technologies is a leading global provider of audiovisual, event technology and production services at over 460 hotels, resorts and convention centers worldwide. With roots in staging and production services, Encore delivers comprehensive and innovative audiovisual and staging services that cater to the unique needs of hotels, hotel-casinos and resorts across North America, including Mexico, and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and is the premier one-stop shop for event planning, design and staging and production services.
For more information, visit www.encore-anzpac.com
ABOUT ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES IN ASIA
Encore Event Technologies in Asia is on site at many of the premium hotels in China, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. The Beijing head office also services many major corporate clients and offers full event production services, from event design and production management to audiovisual, technical, video, creative and digital services. Our teams know how to convey your message and deliver the most compelling event solution possible.
For more information visit www.encore-asia.com
ABOUT FREEMAN
Freeman is the world’s leading brand experience company. We help our clients design and deliver immersive live experiences for their most important audiences. Through comprehensive offerings including strategy, creative, logistics, digital, and event technology, Freeman helps increase audience engagement and drive business results. What makes us different is our collaborative culture, intuitive knowledge, global perspective, and personalized approach, which we’ve gained from our 90 years as an industry leader.
For more information, please visit https://www.freeman.com/
ABOUT THE FREEMAN COMPANY
The Freeman Company helps create meaningful connections for global audiences. A family-owned organization, it is comprised of leading brand experience company, Freeman; venue-based audio-visual and production company, Encore Event Technologies; and Alford Media, a boutique event technology specialist. With more than 90 locations globally and over 7,000 employees we are dedicated to delivering the best experiences and business outcomes possible for our clients.
For more information, visit https://www.freeman.com/