Some of the city's top chefs will combine their gastronomic talents to serve up a delectable menu at this year's James Bond themed 5-Star Chefs for Charity Casino Royale 007 Gala Banquet.
Initiated in 2020 as the signature fundraising event for the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal, the event has raised over $69,000 in the past two years, helping to provide food hampers for people needing a little extra help over the festive season.
Organisers are hopeful of hitting a $50,000 fundraising target at this year's dinner, which will be hosted by the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino on Saturday 23 July.
Acting Mayor Terry James said Cairns residents and the business community have always strongly supported the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal
"Last year, the Cheer appeal raised more than $86,000, which would not have been possible without the support of our media partners," Cr James said.
"Nor would we have reached this total without the wonderful generosity of our community, who, during our city's most challenging time, dug deep to give those most needing something to smile about at Christmas."
Those attending this year's 5-Star Chefs for Charity dinner will be treated to a delectable four-course dinner, prepared by the head chefs from Hilton Cairns, Pullman Cairns International, Shangri-La Cairns and the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.
Each executive chef will prepare one course for the banquet menu, which will feature two entrees (one seafood), a main, palette cleanser, dessert and petite fours, all served with wine and beer included.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns General Manager Wayne Reynolds was thrilled to be hosting the event in 2022.
"The 5-Star Chefs Gala Dinner is fast becoming the signature charity event for the region," Mr Reynolds said. "It is always good fun and the chefs preparing this year's dinner have enjoyed creating a menu that celebrates the flavours of the Far North by using some of our region's best ingredients."
Cr James encouraged those attending to embrace the theme of Casino Royale 007, and come 'dressed to kill' for the black-tie event.
The Gala Dinner will kick off at 5.45pm with canapes and pre-dinner drinks in Bar 36 and cocktails (by Wolf Lane Distillery) at the Casino's Arlington Bar on Level 1, followed by the four-course gala dinner in the ballroom. There will also be live entertainment, dancing with DJ Syntax, live auctions and raffles.
All services and products have been generously supplied by each hotel, regional suppliers and businesses as an in-kind donation, meaning every cent from ticket sales will be translated into Christmas hampers.
Tickets are $170 per person. Bookings can be made online at Eventbrite; search '5-Star Chefs for Charity Dinner;' on Eventbrite, and be quick as tickets have sold out in under two weeks for previous events.
