What a day to remember.

The sun was shining, a gentle breeze drifted through the air, and Nathan Cole's live music set the perfect tone for an afternoon of warmth, laughter, and extraordinary generosity at the picturesque Spicers Guesthouse.

HCRF's Hunter Construction Group Lunch for the Kids with Johanna Griggs brought together 98 guests for an unforgettable afternoon — and together, they raised an incredible $52,500 for children's health research.

Chef Jayden Cassinelli delivered a stunning menu, paired beautifully with award-winning First Creek Wines, while our MC Gus Maher — Chairman of the Hunter Culinary Association and Director of Hunter Valley Events — kept the energy high and the room laughing throughout the day.

Our guest speaker, Johanna Griggs, was everything the room hoped for and more. Down-to-earth, funny, and genuinely inspiring, she had every guest captivated — and generously stayed on to sign autographs and pose for photos with our beloved HCRF bears.

Auctioneer Jono Wilson worked his magic across auctions, raffles, silent auction items, teddy bear sales, and even the table centrepieces — every single item found a new home for a wonderful cause.

A special thank you to our Diamond Partner, Grahame Chevalley from Hunter Construction Group, whose support was nothing short of spectacular. And to all of our generous sponsors who made the day possible: Lexus of Newcastle, JSA Group, Sarchia, First Creek Wines, Greg Tapp Printing, Tooheys, and Spicers Guesthouse.

The funds raised will go toward two new HCRF research grants, to be officially announced at the HCRF Awards event in November. We cannot wait to see the impact they will have on children's health right here in the Hunter region. To every guest, partner, donor, and volunteer who played a part — thank you. Days like this are proof of just how much our community can achieve when it comes together for kids.