Adventurer Carmen Doran was the guest speaker at the lunch at Tatler Restaurant and Bar.
Ms Doran, along with brother Marc Doran and friend Brent Clements, are preparing to drive over 16,000km in the 2010 Mongol Rally, from July 24.
Ms Doran revealed how a Queenstown-born-and-raised woman ended up working for a Swiss-based pharmaceutical company, earned two degrees and travelled to 28 countries.
She explained why the team was choosing one of the hardest routes on the unsupported rally and talked about the Christina Nobel Children's Foundation, for which they are raising money.
"It's not a race; it's a challenge. It's about getting out of your comfort zone [and] battling to get where you're going," Ms Doran said.
"If we can help the kids, we can help the country overall."
New Zealand film Goodbye Pork Pie will be screened at Winnie's Gourmet Pizza Bar tonight and virtually all proceeds from ticket sales will go to the trio's chosen charity.
Tickets cost $10 from the Queenstown Mall bar and Gorge Joinery, on Glenda Dr.
The doors open at 8.30pm.
