The Quill Club has raised about $40,000 for Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN) from an annual charity lunch attended by more than 550 people on Friday.

The event, at Central Pier in Melbourne’s Docklands, was attended by insurance professionals from across the industry. Funds raised included a $5000 donation from Insurance Advisernet.

Heather Renton, president and founder of SWAN, which provides information and support to families caring for a child with an undiagnosed or rare genetic condition, was among the speakers.

The charity aims to increase awareness and understanding of the impact and prevalence of the conditions, helps limit isolation and negative social repercussions and advocates for more funding into genetic research.

The Quill Club has supported a range of charities at the annual lunch. Previously it has assisted the Commando Welfare Trust, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia and Parkinson’s Victoria.