Charity was the order of the day at the Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch on Friday, with about 300 guests braving the humidity and digging deep to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Billed as "the ideal excuse for a very, very long lunch", the nautical-themed event is a highlight on the region's social calendar, and kicked off Port Douglas' 10-day Carnivale celebrations.   

The sold-out function featured three courses of sensational regional culinary delights, created by award winning Sheraton Mirage Head Chef Klaus Keller, and celebrity support, with TV personality Ed Phillips, NBL Taipans players Cameron Tragardh and Jamar Wilson, NRL Northern Pride player Ty Williams and Cairns Mayor Bob Manning sharing the spotlight with the Sheraton Mirage's resident saltie swimming in the lake.

A 'Best Dressed' competition encouraging guests to mix sailor stripes and epaulets with frocks and fascinators.  

Even Mother Nature was in a giving mood, delaying the traditional Carnivale rain.

The Leukaemia Foundation's Annette Jarrett says it plays a major fundraising role for the national organisation.

"This is one of our biggest events of the year, from a local perspective," she says.

The Foundation raised over $17,500 on the day, from a combination of ticket sales, on-the-day contributions, and a silent auction.