The Heather Holcombe Memorial Melbourne Cup Day Luncheon is an annual tradition for south-west residents.
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Organiser Julie Holcombe said it was hard to believe the Port Fairy event, named in honour of her sister-in-law who lost her cancer battle in 2000, was in its 16th year.
The lunch, held at the Star of the West Hotel, attracts more than 100 people who dress up and celebrate cup day together.
“It’s a great fun day,” Mrs Holcombe said.
This year there will be 30 major auction items and 10 silent auction items, as well as raffles and sweeps throughout the day.
Event proceeds are donated to Moyne Health Services palliative care room in recognition of the care Heather received at the hospital.
The fundraiser was started by Heather’s children Sarah and Christopher to honour their mum. Mrs Holcombe said Sarah and her two daughters would travel from Darwin to attend this year’s event.
“The whole town gets behind it because Heather was larger than life and everyone puts in for the cause,” Mrs Holcombe said.
Proceeds from 2015 and this year’s event will be combined to purchase an $11,000 state of-the-art bed and a portable oxygen machine worth $5000.
“We funded the last (oxygen) machine for palliative care and it is in work all the time,” Mrs Holcombe said. “A second one to support the need is sorely required and we take pride to be able to provide a second machine.”
Mrs Holcombe said she looked forward to seeing new and familiar faces at the event and what they could achieve together for the community.
Individual tickets and tables are available from the Star of the West Hotel.
The Port Fairy Belfast Lions Club will host its annual Cup Eve Dinner on Monday night.
The event includes a seafood dinner, a phantom race call and raffles at the Port Fairy Senior Citizens Club from 7pm.
Prizes will be awarded for the Ray Stokie Memorial Cup, men’s and women’s fashions on the field and for the quirkiest hat.
Bookings essential by October 27 to Henry on 0407 683 221 or Peter Down on 0428 684 364.
More than 100 people are expected to dress up for the Port Fairy Bowls Club Melbourne Cup luncheon on Tuesday.
Friends of Moyneyana House president Margaret Whitehead said the fundraiser included sweeps and raffles and prizes for the lady of the day and best hat. “It’s a day everyone enjoys and they keep coming back," she said.
Proceeds will be donated to Moyne Health Services. To book call Margaret on 5568 1443 or Lyn on 5568 1266.
St Patrick’s Primary School, Koroit will join in the Melbourne Cup festivities with a dress up day and other activities.
Principal Mark Moloney said the annual celebration was popular with students from prep to year 6 who dressed as bookmakers and punters. “Some of the outfits are pretty sophisticated,” he said.
There will be a picnic lunch on the lawn, a fashions on the field competition and sweeps, followed by the cup on the big screen.