The Dunedin Supper Club is a fantastic way to give back and raise money for a truly deserving cause, Ronald McDonald House. We caught up with Dunedin Branch Manager, Kathryn Corry, to hear how the team brought the evening to life and why it turned out to be such a memorable night.
The Dunedin Supper Club is a charitable initiative where local restaurants and businesses host special dinners to support a good cause. Individuals, businesses, and community groups can purchase a table to enjoy an evening of great food, entertainment, and connection. Each event is unique, but all share the same goal: raising funds and awareness for charities, such as Ronald McDonald while celebrating Dunedin’s vibrant hospitality scene.
Each Supper Club begins with an elegant cocktail party where each group of guests are then given a location where they will be having their dinner. Annemarie Jorissen (AJ), the Dunedin Supper Club Coordinator, is the driving force behind the event. Her unwavering enthusiasm is key to the success of the event. AJ was very keen to get a ‘non-restaurant’ involved, making McKenzie & Willis a destination guests were hoping to get.
The highlight of the evening was the delicious meal, prepared by beloved local café and catering company, Gary & Lola’s. Dunedin truly feels like a village, many team breakfasts had been enjoyed just down the road at their café over the years. Kath knew their involvement would make the night something special, and it absolutely did. Sam is a sensational chef, and both she and Katelyn previously worked at our local Heritage before opening their own café and catering business. Gary & Lola’s are passionate about serving fresh, locally sourced food that’s full of flavour and made with care. While they still visit them for treats, sadly, they’re no longer just down the street, now at 10 George Street, Central Dunedin. The menu on the night was a standout, and every dish was a hit.
It’s truly special to be part of something that makes a difference. On the night, each team member has their own little role to play, and there’s a real buzz as we welcome guests into the store after hours. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, and since Dunedin feels like a village, almost always ending up hosting someone they know. Our dining tables, chairs, and other beautiful living furniture were styled to perfection, ensuring guests experienced the highest level of comfort throughout the evening.
An extra layer of excitement was added to the Dunedin Supper Club with the help of the wonderful brands who kindly donated items. Each guest received a goodie bag filled with treats from our generous suppliers such as Tempur, MM Linen, Santa Fe, and McDonald's Dunedin. Throughout the lead-up and during the evening, there was an online auction with over 150 items, where guests could bid for items sponsored by very generous local and national companies. Our wonderful suppliers David Shaw kindly donated a Roly Poly Chair, and James Dunlop Textiles contributed a Lilypad rug.
The Dunedin Supper Club was a true success. It was a wonderful evening spent sharing meals among our gorgeous furniture, surrounded by great company and a warm atmosphere. All of this contributed to the incredible $414,948 raised for RMHC in 2025. Dunedin alone has raised over $2.5 million since 2010, an amazing testament to the generosity and spirit of our local community. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made the night possible, from our guests and suppliers to the dedicated organisers behind the scenes. Your support continues to make a real difference. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Supper Club and the chance to come together once again for a night of connection, celebration, and impact.
