The Carbine Club of Tokyo’s 2024 Melbourne Cup Luncheon dazzled 130 racing fans, with attendees dressed to impress. The ladies were glamourous and the gentlemen looked sharp.
Held in the sumptuous Coriander Room of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, the event added extra excitement with two new premier sponsors: Cathay Pacific and the Regent Hong Kong. Their generous prize package, a pair of premium economy round-trip tickets and a luxury stay in Hong Kong, sparked interest and spirited bidding.
Attendees from Cathay’s team included Nelson Chin and Mikiko Kogami. Regional Head of Marketing Emma Chang coordinated planning from Hong Kong to help bring this sponsorship to life. We also wish to offer special thanks to Regent Hong Kong for its invaluable support.
Thanks to arrangements by member Travis Brown, Treasury Wine Estates donated many bottles of Penfolds wines to keep spirits high throughout the afternoon. The Cathay team presented their prize after a lively auction, raising funds for YouMeWe, a Tokyo-based non-profit supporting 33,000 children in institutional care and another 15,000 in foster homes. The funds go toward guidance and support that empowers these young people to build fulfilling lives beyond high school.
Club member Darren Morrish, a seasoned hotelier and General Manager of the Tokyo American Club, served as the auctioneer, making his final appearance with us before returning to Australia. We deeply appreciate his contributions, especially in securing the Regent Hong Kong stay, and wish him the best in a new stage of his journey.
In total, the fundraising efforts—through auctions, raffles, and other activities—brought in around 1.2 million yen, or just under A$12,000.
Several distinguished figures lent prestige to the luncheon, including Australian Ambassador Justin Hayhurst. Former Wallaby and new Tokyo club member Bernard Foley attracted much attention, warmly posing for photos with fellow attendees. A special thank-you goes to TopTia Photography’s Tia Haywood, an award-winning portrait professional, whose exceptional work captured a collection of stunning highlights throughout the day, creating cherished memories for all. A link to all the photographs from the day follows.
Thank you to our major sponsors!
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