THE sold-out 2020 Support Homeless People Luncheon has been postponed until 2021 due to ongoing concerns about the impact of COVID-19 in South Australia and interstate.
Held every two years as one of the Limestone Coast’s largest regular charity events, the luncheon at the Barn Palais was previously postponed from April 3 until October 9.
However, the organising committee has decided to postpone the event further with a date still to be set in 2021 in the hope the COVID-19 situation has eased and the charity function can then proceed.
Prior to the initial postponement, the event was sold-out with more than 500 people set to attend the major business networking luncheon and fundraiser this year.
“We had hoped at the time of the initial postponement we would be able to proceed in October, but have continued to monitor the unfolding COVID-19 situation in South Australia and nationally and feel it would not be responsible to proceed at this time,” event chairman Barry Stafford said.
“On behalf of my committee, I again thank the management of The Barn Palais, our speaker Melanie Cooper AM, emcee Rupert McCall OAM, our sponsors and the businesses who have purchased tables or provided auction and raffle donations for their understanding and support.
“We hope we can proceed in 2021 and everything that makes this event so special will remain the same.
“Sadly, the event’s aim to support vulnerable people in our community is likely to be more necessary than ever due to the impacts of COVID-19.”
The previous event in 2018 raised $125,000 to support ac.care’s services to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Limestone Coast.
Mr Stafford confirmed tickets that have already been purchased can be held for the new date.
People who have not paid for tickets at this stage, but been issued with invoices are encouraged to keep their current invoice and pay when details of the new date are confirmed.
Accommodation bookings at The Barn for the event will be transferable to the new date by contacting the venue on (08) 8726 9999.
Ticket holders and sponsors can also contact Barry Stafford on 8721 2400.