Gather & Graze
Gather and Graze tickets go on sale this weekend, and OH MY does it look breathtaking.
Published: 18 June 2023
Photography Supplied: Eleanor Byrne
Once again, Gather and Graze has been teasing us with tantalising photos on their social accounts for the past few months now…and to say we're already excited is 'just a little bit of an understatement'.
The event, which started in 2021 and has quickly become one of the standout social events of the local calendar, was born out of - as they explain it - "[just] four great mates, who wanted to make some magic and raise as much money for local charities as they can".
And that's exactly what the group of friends and organising committee members Michael Valdal, Aaron Bourne, Lachy Hogan & Alex Johnson, along with the incredible team of helpers, sponsors and local businesses who've collaborated on each of the events to date, have been able to achieve.
What started initially with them holding a function as a way to support a close friend going through their own health journey, then became this thought of 'well why don't we do this every year and support other great causes", Michael Valdal explains.
"In 2021, that then became two long lunches that raised over $66,000 for the charity Drought Angels, and then last year in 2022, a black tie gala which saw over $300,000 raised for local cancer wellness centre Hope Horizons. This really is such an amazingly generous community, and we're so very grateful."
In 2023, the much-anticipated event returns in a new location, with a fresh theme and a new charity, and as the team puts it, "it's going to be next level".
"This year, we're raising funds for the incredible work Tony's Community Kitchen does in Toowoomba & the surrounding communities, providing meals every evening to people who are homeless or those at risk of homelessness. We are so excited to be able to channel our energy into fundraising for this wonderful cause!"
And we couldn't agree more.
If past events are anything to go by (and trust us, they are) this is going to be a truly special evening and a great opportunity to sow back into an amazing charity impacting so many people's lives for the better.
This year Gather and Graze will be on November 04 at Toowoomba Grammar, with ticket sales going live on July 02. Be warned though, last year tickets sold out in 15 minutes.
Keep an eye on their socials for how to buy tickets and more information here.
