STAFF of Dubbo fashion store Millers chose to be part of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday because cancer affects "each and every one of us".
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They are among more than 11,500 people across NSW, including about 600 in the western region, hosting morning teas in support of Cancer Council NSW.
A petition seeking the establishment of an integrated cancer centre at Dubbo Hospital sat on one of two tables covered in food, both baked at home and donated.
Plenty of the people offering a gold coin for a treat on Thursday morning left their signatures behind.
A member of Millers' staff Bernice Williams reported of a "huge response" to the first morning tea for Cancer Council NSW.
"We want to raise money for the Cancer Council," she said.
"Each and every one of us is involved with cancer in one way or another."
Ms Williams and her colleagues set a fundraising target of $500, hoping it might go to research.
The feeling that comes from "making a difference" will ensure they do it all again next year.
"We will do it every year now," Ms Williams said.
"We'll learn as we go...and make it bigger and better."
The staff were supported by family, including baker extraordinaire Margaret Langman, mother of store manager Christie Deaves.
The 23rd Australia's Biggest Morning Tea was officially held on Thursday, but hosting of morning teas is permitted across May and June.
Money goes to cancer research, prevention, information, support and advocacy services.
About 45,000 people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer in 2016.
