The Imperium Capital Group through its Eichardt's Private Hotel Supports Cancer Society clients with New Fundraising Event

The work of a dedicated group supporting those affected by cancer has received a boost with a new relationship forged with the iconic Queenstown hotel Eichardt's.

The luxury Eichardt's Private Hotel has announced its support of a newly-established Queenstown-based committee which aims to support the future needs of those living with the effects of cancer in the growing Central Otago community.

In association with Cancer Society Otago Southland Division, Eichardt's is launching its fundraising drive by hosting a glamorous Melbourne Cup event.

Eichardt's owner Andrew Cox said he and his wife Sarah were passionate about Queenstown and about supporting cancer charities.

'I believe getting involved in initiatives such as this is an important aspect of belonging to the Queenstown community,' he said.

'When our General Manager Chris McIntosh suggested this initiative as part of our corporate social responsibility objectives, we felt it was an excellent way to give back to the community in which we do business and to create a connection with Melbourne at the same time.

'It's something we're very happy to support and we intend it to be an annual fundraising event.'

The Imperium Capital Group has for the past five years funded the Imperium Capital Group Research Award, which has funded medical research into Breast Cancer, Leukaemia and Lymphoma, grants which have collectively been worth over AUD250,000.

Imperium is also the principal sponsor of the Annual Tuxedo Junction Ball in Melbourne which has raised over AUD1,000,000 to fund cancer research.

The inaugural fundraising event will be held at Eichardt's Private Hotel on November 6 '“ Melbourne Cup day. As well as the excitement of the big race, guests can take part in silent and live auctions with a fantastic variety of items up for bid on the day including two nights' accommodation at Eichardt's.

The event will run a live screening of 'the race that stops a nation' and tickets will include a glass of bubbles on arrival and canapÃ©s specially prepared by Executive Chef Gwen Harvie and her team.

Funds raised at the Melbourne Cup event will go towards the planning and development of the Cancer Society's services throughout Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District.

Cancer Society Otago Southland Division spokesperson Marie Wales said they were 'thrilled' to be associated with Imperium and Eichardt's Private Hotel with this unique initiative.

'There's no doubt that our regions expected population growth will also mean an increase in the impact of cancer on the community,' she said.

'We're working on creating a framework to meet the needs of the region over the next five to twenty years.

'We'd like to look towards establishing a support centre, appointing qualified staff to provide services for patients and families, developing partnerships with health services in the region and increasing our volunteer base.

'Kick starting our fundraising with the event at Eichardt's is the first step in that process and we hope will receive the support of many who will come along on the day.'

Chris McIntosh said he was aware that many people in Queenstown had been touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly, and as such as a group and local team they wanted to help.

'As a company our owners Andrew and Sarah Cox are committed to helping reduce the impact of cancer, and if that means helping the local volunteers and support services to open up a local branch, then we are here to assist in any way we can make a difference.'

Andrew Cox said the Eichardt's Melbourne Cup event in support of the Cancer Society would become an annual one on the calendar and would be promoted to the supporters of the Cancer Council in New Zealand and Australia (Victoria) as well as in the Central Otago region in the hope that supporters would travel to this event as well as locals.

The Eichardt's Cancer Society Melbourne Cup Event will be held on November 6, from 3pm to 7pm. Tickets are $89 per person and include a glass of bubbles on arrival and canapÃ©s. For bookings contact Eichardt's Private Hotel on 03 441 0450.