Newcastle Foreshore’s top chefs combined their talents on Sunday 16 May for the foodies’ event of the year – raising more than $100,000 in the process.

Newcastle Foreshore’s top chefs combined their talents on Sunday 16 May for the foodies’ event of the year – raising more than $100,000 in the process.

The Gastronomic Lunch was held at Harbourview Function Centre in support children’s research conducted through the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

Event organiser, Neil Slater said the luncheon raises significant funds each year because everyone is willing to contribute to research that helps foster a happy, healthy childhood.

“People contribute to this event because they appreciate that there is nothing more important than happy, healthy children,” Neil said.

“Local chefs donate their time, suppliers donate product, and businesses donate prizes to be raffled or auctioned.

“This means that one hundred percent of funds generously given by the guests can be invested in research that significantly improves the health and wellbeing of young people in our community,” he said.

HMRI Director, Professor Maree Gleeson said proceeds from the last two luncheons have helped HMRI affiliated researchers develop new ways to tackle childhood obesity, asthma management, SIDS and cardiovascular problems in premature birth.

“The research funded by the Gastronomic Lunch is already making a difference to the health and wellbeing of young people in the Hunter.

“We are proud of our continued association with this event. It is a true demonstration of the community’s involvement with HMRI and is helping young people to get the most out of their childhood,” Maree said.

This year the lunch supported new research that aims to identify better ways to help young people cope with anxiety and depression.