Event date: 30 March 2025
Guest Speaker: Ah-Leen Rayner
Event Client: Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer NZ
Event Planner: Vision and Event driven by Catherine Cooke, supported by the team at Allely Estate.
Photographer: Supergibo’s & Photokombi
Sisterhood in Action:
Rallying Together for a Vision, Delivering Flawless Execution
On the 30th of March, women and men from the community, including those who traveled from as far south as Waiuku, gathered at Allely Estate for a heartfelt and empowering event—the Pink Ribbon Brunch. Hosted by Catherine Cooke, Co-Owner of Allely Estate, this special occasion aimed to raise awareness for breast cancer and shed light on the challenges faced by women like Catherine, who are battling triple negative breast cancer—the most aggressive form, with the only targeted treatment remaining unfunded in New Zealand.
From the moment guests arrived, there was an undeniable atmosphere of sisterhood and solidarity. Pink bubbles in hand, attendees embraced the opportunity to connect, share stories, and capture memories with the Photokombi photobooth, generously provided by Gemma from Wood and Wild. Laughter and love filled the air, setting the stage for a meaningful and emotional event. Check out some of the fun photos from the kombi below.
At 11:10 AM, the event officially commenced with Peter Cooke taking the stage to welcome guests and introduce the cause behind the brunch. His heartfelt words underscored the significance of supporting not just his wife, but the broader breast cancer community. He then welcomed Ah-Leen Rayner, CEO of the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, who passionately spoke about the organisation’s critical work. Relying solely on public donations with no government funding, the Foundation plays an essential role in advocacy, education, and patient support. Ah-Leen highlighted the stark reality of breast cancer treatment in New Zealand, noting that it took six years to fund Keytruda for lung cancer and that, despite being recommended for funding over 18 months ago, Keytruda remains unfunded for early-stage triple negative breast cancer.
Catherine then took the stage to share her deeply personal journey. She spoke candidly about the moment she received her diagnosis on 20 November 2024, following a routine mammogram. Initially feeling detached from the news, it wasn’t until the reality set in that she broke down, marking the beginning of a whirlwind of scans, biopsies, and treatments that turned her world upside down. The aggressive nature of triple negative breast cancer meant immediate chemotherapy, leaving her physically drained while also navigating the financial and emotional burden of an unfunded treatment. Catherine addressed the injustice of a system that forces patients into debt or, worse, denies them access to life-saving medication due to financial constraints. She urged attendees to support her petition to the government and give generously to help her reach her $5,000 fundraising goal for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. As of this blog’s publication, nearly $3,500 has been raised. You can still donate to Catherine’s Pink Ribbon Brunch for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ here.
Following Catherine’s speech, Peter returned to the stage, offering a powerful perspective from a partner supporting a loved one through such an arduous journey. His words resonated deeply, shedding light on the emotional toll that breast cancer takes on not just patients, but their families and loved ones.
Post-speeches, guests indulged in a spectacular brunch buffet prepared by the talented chefs at Allely Estate. The spread included eggs benedict with salmon, spinach, and bacon, pink pancakes, grilled bananas, sweetcorn and jalapeño fritters, fried chicken, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, and delicious pink cupcakes. The Allely Estate team once again exceeded expectations, providing exceptional food and service.
A defining moment of the event was the anonymous $50,000 donor stepping forward. Moved by Catherine’s advocacy, this generous individual felt compelled to support her fight, recognizing that she would, in turn, continue to help others. Catherine, deeply touched, expressed her unwavering commitment to this cause—her advocacy for access to life-saving treatment is far from over.
The event highlighted a grim reality: patients with triple negative breast cancer are forced into impossible choices—going into debt or forgoing treatment. This should not be the case. As Catherine continues her campaign for justice, Allely Estate remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the community. Over the past year, the venue has raised $76,000 for Muriwai Residents, $30,000 and 6,500 donations of clothing and accessories for Dress for Success Auckland, and now $3,500 (and counting) for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
Allely Estate’s vision remains clear:
“At Allely Estate, our vision is to be the venue of choice for life’s most cherished moments, crafting timeless memories, embracing diversity and all genders, and building strong connections with our community, clients near and far, offering an unmatched, top-notch experience that leaves an enduring legacy in every heart we touch.”
Catherine’s fight continues, and so does the community’s support. To join the movement, sign the petition, make a donation to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, and spread awareness—because no one should have to put a price on life.
Catherine’s Givealittle Page is HERE.
Are you planning a corporate event, team building, product launch, charity day, or celebration?
Contact info@allelyestate.co.nz – we can’t wait to help you plan your special event or wedding.
A Special Thank You to:
