Record-Breaking Midsummer Ladies Lunch Raises €34,350 for Wexford Rape Crisis Centre

The Midsummer Ladies Lunch has raised an incredible €34,350 for Wexford Rape Crisis Centre, more than doubling the amount raised at last year's event.

Held at the picturesque Newbay House, the annual fundraiser brought together 270 guests for a day of fashion, fundraising and community support, all with the aim of helping survivors access vital counselling services.

Guests were welcomed with a prosecco reception before enjoying a four-course lunch in the stunning surroundings of the 16-acre estate, which was styled for the occasion by Love at First Sight.

A charity raffle generated huge excitement throughout the afternoon, with organisers saying donations from guests and supporters surpassed even last year's remarkable efforts. A wide range of high-value prizes donated by local businesses and artists helped make the fundraiser a major success.

The event also featured a fashion show showcasing collections from boutiques Frock, Ruby Rouge, Amy Janes, OTTIVA and Landa Handbags. Representing businesses from across Wexford, Gorey, New Ross and Enniscorthy, the show reflected the areas served by Wexford Rape Crisis Centre. Curated by Emma Jeffares, the show concluded with a spectacular finale featuring all models and designs by Elina Ostelé.

While the event celebrated style and community spirit, organisers stressed that its purpose was to support the work of Wexford Rape Crisis Centre and the survivors who rely on its services.

Chief Executive Clare Williams thanked the fundraising committee for their efforts and highlighted the growing demand for support services.

"Wexford Rape Crisis Centre is the third largest rape crisis centre in Ireland, not by design but by demand," she said. "It has tripled in size in the last six years. We have approximately 400 active clients in counselling alongside an ever-growing waiting list. We struggle to keep up with the demand and fundraising events like this are critically important."

Guests also heard from keynote speaker Regina Redmond, poet, author and survivor who spoke movingly about her own journey and the support she received from the centre.

"My journey towards healing began when I first reached out to Wexford Rape Crisis Centre," she told the audience. "The fact that I didn't have to wait was so important for my mental wellbeing."

Regina spoke about finding her voice through recovery and how that journey led to the publication of her poetry collection Warrior Woman Truth Teller.

She received a standing ovation from attendees for her courage and honesty in sharing her experience.

Among those attending was Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy who praised both Regina's bravery and the work of the organising committee in raising awareness and funds for such an important service.

Chairperson of the Midsummer Ladies Lunch committee, Fiona Gainfort, thanked sponsors, counsellors, volunteers and guests for their support.

"When you walked into Newbay House, you were doing something powerful," she said. "You were saying that survivors in Wexford matter. Because of you, survivors in our community have a place to turn."

Organisers described the day as a celebration of generosity, compassion and community spirit, with every euro raised helping to fund counselling hours and support services for survivors across County Wexford.