Melbourne’s Quill Club raised $45,000 at its annual charity lunch last Friday – an event believed to be the largest annual insurance gathering in Melbourne.

The money will go to Yellow Ladybugs, a community group that helps autistic girls and women.

More than 530 guests attended, including brokers, loss adjusters, premium funders and insurance lawyers.

“We wanted to say from the Quill Club a very big thank you to all those associated with the day, particularly our sponsor Scott Winton Insurance Brokers and those who bought tables for the event,” committee member Tony Carmusciano told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Yellow Ladybugs ambassador Chloe Hayden was the guest speaker.

“The feedback we received from those who attended is that they were very touched by the charity,” Mr Carmusciano said. “We have achieved our highest raffle sales and also contributions to takings from the [live] auction.”

An Argentinian soccer shirt signed by superstars Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona sold in the auction for $3000.

Next year’s fundraiser will be on August 9 at the same venue, Central Pier in Melbourne’s Docklands.

The Quill Club was established in 1977 as a social and charitable organisation for insurance professionals.