Community, Compassion and Childhood Joy at the Unite4Kids Luncheon
Laughter, connection and generosity filled the room at the 2026 Unite4Kids Luncheon, as a passionate community came together to support children and families through some of their most challenging times.
On Wednesday 3rd June 2026, Clown Doctors Australia had the absolute privilege of being one of three children’s charities to benefit from the annual Unite4Kids Luncheon, alongside the Childhood Cancer Association and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
With the iconic backdrop of Adelaide Oval, the room was buzzing with energy as passionate supporters, generous businesses, community leaders and families came together with one shared purpose: to support children and families facing some of life’s toughest moments.
There was laughter, happy tears, heartfelt conversations and there may even have been a few enthusiastic dance moves.
Guests were bopping along to performances by Rob Mallett and Phillippa Lynas, soaking up inspiring conversations with Unite4Kids Ambassador Josh Hawkins and award-winning chef Duncan Welgemoed, and opening their hearts as the afternoon unfolded.
When little Lottie and her family shared their story, the room fell silent. Their generosity in sharing such a personal journey reminded everyone exactly why they were there.
The Day’s Most Moving Moment
Holly Mead, the inspiration and co-founder behind Unite4Kids, shared her bravery beads and the meaning behind each one. Each bead represents a challenge faced, a procedure endured or a milestone reached.
In that moment, every guest understood the true impact of their support and what it means for children just like Lottie and Holly.
The Unite4Kids Luncheon is a beautiful celebration of community, compassion and the extraordinary things that happen when people unite.
Thanks to the generosity of our corporate and community sponsors who contributed to the silent auction, live auction, fragrance table, wine bar and Bollinger bar; our incredible volunteers who helped throughout the day; the guest speakers who so courageously shared their stories; and the 600 guests who attended and enthusiastically joined in the fundraising activities, an incredible $300,000 was raised on the day.
That’s a lot of generosity packed into one luncheon!
The funds will help ensure more children in hospital can experience the joy, connection and laughter that Clown Doctors bring when it’s needed most.
To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, sponsored, bid, cheered, shared a smile or simply showed up: thank you.
Together, you’re helping turn hospital rooms into places where moments of joy can still be found, where laughter can sneak in between treatments, and where children and families are reminded that they’re not facing their journey alone.
About Unite4Kids
In 2014, Holly Mead was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). She was only 6 years old. For the next 2 years, Holly went through intensive chemotherapy to beat the cancer.
During this time, Angela Condous OAM, a very good friend of Holly’s parents, Kim and Ben, asked Holly what she found most helpful during her treatment.
This is when Unite4Kids was established to raise money for the charities who helped Holly and her friends in hospital along with their families.
Today, Holly is a happy and healthy young woman who, like so many survivors like her, continues to inspire the community with her bravery.
