The vibrant energy of the Lunar New Year filled King Dynasty Moore Park on Saturday, March 7th, as the community gathered for a spectacular Banquet Dinner. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, the evening was more than just a cultural celebration, it was a powerful display of community spirit and a dedicated effort to advance thoracic oncology research.
Organised by Dr. Angeline Low and Ms. Maria Chan in partnership with the The Rotary Club of Chatswood International, the event brought together approximately 200 guests for a night of purpose, performance, and philanthropy.
A Mission Close to the Heart
The inspiration behind the evening was deeply personal. As a lung cancer survivor, Dr. Angeline Low is a passionate advocate for raising awareness of EGFR-positive lung cancer, particularly within Asian communities. The event served as a platform to promote the message of “healthy lungs” and to ensure that vital research continues to receive the funding it deserves.
“The energy in the room was a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause,” shared TOGA CEO, Dr Megan Sanders, who addressed the attendees during the evening.
Evening Highlights
The atmosphere was electric, blending traditional celebrations with high-energy entertainment. Guests were treated to:
Traditional Lion Dancing: Bringing luck and prosperity for the new year.
A Special Appearance: An Elvis Presley impersonator had the crowd on their feet.
Moments of Gratitude: Presentation of donation cheques from the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation (ACCF) and the awarding of appreciation certificates to donors from last year’s successful event.
The Live Auction & Raffle: Excitement peaked during the auction, with highly sought-after items including a stunning ruby and a collector’s Labubu, contributing significantly to the final total.
The Impact: $50,000 and Counting
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the organizers, sponsors, and attendees, the event raised over $50,000 with more to come from Sydney’s Chinese community.
These funds are designated for lung cancer research through TOGA’s Inspirational Research Grant program. This funding is critical in supporting innovative projects that strive to improve outcomes for patients across the country.
TOGA extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Angeline Low, Ms. Maria Chan, the Rotary Club of Chatswood International, and every guest who made this evening a success!
How You Can Get Involved
Community-led events like this banquet are the lifeblood of research funding. They not only raise essential capital but also foster a network of support and awareness that saves lives.
Inspired by Angeline and Maria’s success? If you or your organisation would like to host a similar fundraising event or partner with us to support lung cancer research, please contact us at info@thoraciconcology.org.au today. We would love to help you turn your idea into an impactful reality.
