A Toowoomba charity event has raised $161,000 for prostate cancer research.

The 2012 It's a Bloke Thing Prostate Cancer luncheon held at Picnic Point restaurant raised the money for the Mater Foundation and Toowoomba Hospital.

Chair of the event's organising committee John Wagner said he was overwhelmed by the support the event had received from businesses and individuals.

"We had set a target of $100,000 for this year's event and never imagined that we would exceed this amount by such an enormous figure," he said.

Guest speaker at this year's event was internationally acclaimed writer Li Cunxin who is best known for his inspirational memoir Mao's Last Dancer. Li received prolonged applause after telling his inspirational story of determination and the will to succeed.

With every reason to be very proud of their outstanding achievement It's a Bloke Thing committee was formed in 2011 and consists of Gary and Heather Gardner (FKG Gardner & Sons Group), Mark and Tracey Crampton (Toowoomba Holden), John and Liz Wagner (Wagners), John and Maralyn Fitzgibbons (Fitzy's on Church) and Damian Kulmar (ANZ).

Prostate cancer impacts one in nine Australian men in their lifetime.