Every year in November, colleagues, clients and partners come together for the FDC Melbourne Cup Charity Luncheon – a celebration with heart, where the buzz of racing meets a deeper commitment to giving back. What began in the late 1990s as a modest charity event has blossomed into one of FDC’s signature traditions, grounded in the belief that “when we join together, we can make a difference,” said Con Hart, FDC Director.
In 2025, the luncheon reached a milestone, raising an all-time record $650,000 for Make-A-Wish Australia – enough to grant wishes for 65 critically ill children.
Key to the luncheon’s success is its culture of generosity and community. Each year’s auction and traditional “Calcutta” bidding draws large bids – but winners almost invariably give their prize back, reinforcing that the event exists not to reward, but to raise. What began with a modest $7,000 to diabetes research has now grown into nearly $15 million in charitable giving.
