Sunday’s Telethon Leeuwin Lunch On Swan saw the generous room collectively raise a record-breaking $8.2 million, bolstered by a last-minute anonymous $4 million donation.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club on the Swan River, the room was filled with the warmth of Telethon’s most generous supporters opening their hearts and wallets with a singular, shared purpose — to help WA’s sick kids.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as teenager Tia Scott sat before WA’s top business leaders and philanthropists and shared her story of a harrowing five-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at just 12 years old, the 18-year-old has endured 800 blood tests, more than 190 scans, and 13 surgical procedures. She has done so with unimaginable strength and inspiring grace.
Her powerful words moved the room to tears — and then to immediate action.
Among the major commitments met was a $1 million, national-first Adolescent and Youth Cancer Service, kickstarted by a $400,000 donation from BHP’s Tim Day.
“Tia did an awesome speech today, it was genuine, it was heartfelt and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, it was just clear that this is such an important thing for us to do,” Mr Day said.
“They need a million dollars to do it, so we thought we’re stepping into this space, and $400,000 was the least we could do.”
The remaining $600,000 was covered in just three minutes, thanks to collective pledges from the Wen Family and Hawaiian, former governor Malcolm McCusker and his wife Tonya, Maddington Toyota’s Paul Davies and his wife Kelly, Audi Centre’s Bronte Howson and wife Colleen, Matador Capital boss Grant Davey, and Alcoa’s vice president Elsabe Muller.
“I met Tia today, she spoke so well, from the heart, it is such a scary thing to go through and I’m proud of her,” Mr Davies said.
“It broke my heart but I’m happy to give money.”
More than 180 guests arrived at the yacht club early to enjoy a high-energy performance by Motown sensations The 60 Four before taking their seats in the ballroom for lunch.
While the event marked a change from its traditional location at the Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River, the spirit of generosity remained completely intact.
Determined to stay as deeply involved as in previous years, the Horgan family generously donated Leeuwin Estate wines for the occasion, continuing their longstanding support of Telethon.
They also provided two major auction items and a raffle prize.
The star-studded event was hosted by Channel 7’s Charlotte Goodlet and Ryan Daniels, with veteran broadcaster Mark Readings leading a competitive live auction.
As one of the premier philanthropic highlights of the WA social calendar in the lead-up to the main Telethon weekend, guests were excited and keen to hold up their paddles.
Mr Davey led the charge without hesitation, purchasing critical equipment directly from the beneficiary wish list.
He snapped up a Retinal Fundus Camera for $120,000 before Daniels had even finished describing it, and went on to buy all 10 Camp Quality family holiday packages.
During the live auction, Mr Davey also secured an AFL Grand Final experience, only to immediately send it back for re-auction. It sold a second time raising all up $65,000.
Mr Davey also won the major raffle prize, the Audi S3 Sportback, and unbelievably donated the car back to Telethon further raising another $100,000.
Prominent WA businessman Alf Barbagallo set the room alight when he successfully bid for a private Nobu dinner for 10 alongside the Premier.
Telethon supporters Dean and Jo Rullo and Tad and Margaret Watroba had their paddles up constantly throughout the auction.
A Bespoke Varm Premium Sauna proved the most fiercely contested luxury item on the list. It was eventually bought by Navitas CEO Scott Jones.
As the lunch drew to a close, WA philanthropic heavyweights and Telethon Trustees Kerry Stokes and Christine Simpson-Stokes and fellow Trustee Tim Roberts and the McCusker’s generously kicked off the pledges with $250,000 each.
Other big donors to generously pledge were Steve and Susie Gulvin, NRW Holdings chief executive Jules Pemberton and wife Alesha, Regent Motors owner Tyson Sutton and wife Naomi, Rod and Carol Jones, Rory and Rhoda Vassallo, Tim and Linda Goyder, Sunil and Monika Narula, Sandfire Resources chief Brendan Harris and wife Jade and Julie Drago and Russell James.
Elizabeth Perron from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation was extremely generous in supporting the day.
The spectacular afternoon concluded with a surprise performance from WA-born pop star Samantha Jade, capped off by a brilliant fireworks display set off by Telethon’s beloved icon, Fat Cat.
Over the past six years, the Leeuwin Lunch has raised $32.7 million, cementing its status as one of Telethon’s most significant fundraising powerhouses.
In 2026, Telethon is supporting 147 beneficiaries across 297 grants. This year’s Telethon Weekend will take place at RAC Arena on October 17 and 18.
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