Key Facts:
- A Sunshine Coast business, Loanright Financial Services, is hosting its annual Legacy Lunch on Friday 23 October in Mooloolaba, headlined by sailor and author Jessica Watson OAM, aiming to fund the rescue of 20 children from sexual exploitation.
- The event has raised more than $74,000 for Destiny Rescue over the past two years, funding the rescue of 35 children, with this year’s goal set to bring the total to 55.
- Destiny Rescue, founded on the Sunshine Coast in 2001, is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has helped more than 28,000 people escape trafficking and sexual exploitation.
- Jessica Watson made history at 16 as the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, and has since built a career as an entrepreneur, author and management consultant.
- The sold-out lunch coincides with four runners completing a 5,000-kilometre world record attempt run from Cape York to Wilsons Promontory, also raising funds for Destiny Rescue.
A Sunshine Coast business is aiming to fund the rescue of 20 more children from sexual exploitation this Friday, when sailor and author Jessica Watson OAM headlines its annual Legacy Lunch in Mooloolaba.
Hosted by Luke Meisenhelter and Brett Nicholas of Loanright Financial Services, the Legacy Lunch has raised more than $74,000 for Destiny Rescue over the last two years, enough to fund the rescue of 35 children. Reaching this year’s goal would take that total to 55.
Destiny Rescue was founded on the Sunshine Coast in 2001 and is marking 25 years this year, having helped more than 28,000 people to freedom from trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Destiny Rescue CEO Greg Bradley said support from the Sunshine Coast had been part of the organisation from the beginning.
“Destiny Rescue started here 25 years ago, and it means a great deal that some of our strongest support still comes from right here at home,” Mr Bradley said.
“Behind every rescue is a child who gets the chance to start again, and everyone in that room on Friday will be part of making that happen.”
The Legacy Lunch began as a local event celebrating women in business and was named Best Community Engagement Program at the 2026 Adviser Better Business Awards earlier this year.
“What started as a lunch to bring people together has grown into something that’s changed children’s lives,” Mr Meisenhelter said.
“Jessica’s story is about backing yourself when people tell you it can’t be done, and that’s the spirit we want in the room on Friday.”
At 16, Ms Watson became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, spending 210 days at sea. She has since co-founded a marine start-up, completed her MBA, written a second book and built a career as a management consultant and corporate speaker.
The sold out Legacy Lunch will be held at 12pm on Friday 23 October at Avani Hotel Mooloolaba, with a three-course lunch, reception drinks and a closing cocktail hour at Sully’s rooftop.
The lunch comes a day before four runners finish a 5,000 kilometre world record attempt run from Cape York to Wilsons Promontory, also raising funds for Destiny Rescue.
