OVER 110 women attended the inaugural Women Supporting Women luncheon at Salsa Bar and Grill on Friday to give assistance to Ruth’s Women Shelter in Cairns.

The function, organised by Natalie Johnson, was created in the hope practical donations would be made by all in attendance to help women escaping domestic violence. It not only achieved this in spades, but also saw cash donations put forward and almost $1500 raised through a raffle at the sold out event.

“We are just overwhelmed by the support,” Johnson said.

“We sold out the lunch last week and the only advertising we put out was through Facebook. It was all word-of-mouth and you can see the response and the donations made are overwhelming.

“I’ve also got cash donations as well.”

The donations will help ensure the sustainability of Ruth’s Women Shelter, which has housed women from Cooktown to Cardwell from 1977.

Johnson said the success of the event almost guaranteed its return as an annual luncheon from next year.

“I was hoping it would be (a success) but I had no idea it would get this much support,” she said.

“We’ve had women coming in off the street who couldn’t make it to the lunch but wanted to donate care packages just to help.

“I’ve also had things dropped off to my house as well so clearly the community think it’s important.

“I would like it to become an annual event and I think it has the legs to do that.”

The women attending were treated to a two course lunch by Salsa, sparkling wine on arrival thanks to Red + White Wines and entertained by young musician Bobby Maguire.