Inspired by her four month stay at The Royal Hospital for women during the birth of her first child, Harriet Waugh created the Ladies Luncheon as a grassroots fundraising event for the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at The Royal. Deborah Symond-O’Neil joined forces with Harriet in 2019 as event directors becoming a philanthropic duo.
Since its inception, the Ladies Luncheon has raised $1.5M to make a life changing difference at The Royal.
The Ladies Luncheon is regarded as one of the most exclusive charity events in Sydney. The 5th annual Ladies Luncheon held in September 2023 was an overwhelming success, raising more than $650,000 for The Royal's NICU refurbishment project. A huge thank you to the organising committee - Harriet Waugh, Deborah Symond O'Neil, Georgie Curran and Adam Halbert for generously lending their support and energy to this important cause.
The redevelopment and expansion of the NICU is scheduled to commence in late 2023. In addition to improving functionality and patient family experience, the redevelopment will address the growing demand for high-level intensive critical care beds. The Ladies Luncheon event will also support the purchase of advanced medical equipment to continue the tradition of outstanding care for the most premature and vulnerable babies.
"The Ladies Luncheon has made a significant impact at The Royal Hospital for Women. Having raised nearly one million dollars, this stunning event has funded advanced medical equipment and new models of care that have supported and helped thousands of babies and families. We are thrilled to see the event return in 2023 at Crown and we are incredibly grateful for the difference this will make in the NICU."
- Elise Jennings, General Manager, Royal Hospital for Women Foundation
