By Abbey Cannan
The second annual Prostate Cancer Awareness lunch at the Noosa Tigers AFL clubrooms was a sell-out event, raising over $130,000 for the cause on Tuesday 13 August.
Noosa Prostate Association (NPA) Mitch Miller chair said he was thrilled that all tickets had been sold out well in advance, with almost 200 people in attendance.
“It was a highly successful event, and our thanks go to our partners, sponsors and auction and raffle item donors, and those who attended,” he said.
“Over a quarter of a million dollars has been raised by the NPA so far in 2018 and 2019.
“This money is raised to promote awareness, regular testing and early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.”
A packed clubhouse was informed and educated by Dr Tony Gianduzzo and Associate Professor Troy Gianduzzo for the Buderim prostate clinic, and although prostate cancer is no laughing matter, all attendees were cracking up with jokes delivered by Steve Haddan and Sam Kekovich.
“This lunch has become one of the must attend events in Noosa, the local community gets right behind it as we help to raise much needed funds to find a cure for the disease which currently affects more than 200,000 Australian men,” Mitch said.
There were some magnificent auction items sold at the event, including a number of stunning accommodation packages both local and overseas as well as great artwork and a surfboard used by former world champion Layne Beachley.
The founding member, first Chair and Patron of the NPA, John Little, recently passed away on June 29 this year after a long battle with prostate cancer. John was committed to promoting awareness of and testing for prostate cancer, and to raising funds for research.
Mitch said the NPA was John’s vision and is his legacy.
“He was irreplaceable and is dearly missed by all of us,” Mitch told the clubhouse.
“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and so I was qualified to take over from John as Chair,” he joked.
“The most important part of this is early detection. It saves lives.”
