Mount Gambier’s Biggest Morning Tea, the largest event of its kind in the city, is set to be another sold out affair.
The Cancer Council fundraiser will take place tomorrow at the Blue Lake Bar and Bistro with more than 120 ladies expected on the day seated across a dozen tables.
Mount Gambier’s Biggest Morning Tea host Karen Petersen has raised $33,000 over her three years of running the event and is aiming to raise $7000 this year to bring her fundraising total to $40,000.
“With the help from my committee and all the local businesses and everyone that chips in and helps, it’s just amazing that it is sold out again,” she said.
“I am very grateful for the Limestone Coast community that always supports my event and also for my wonderful committee who are helping me to no end.
“I think one in two people are still affected by cancer so we have to keep raising the money to hopefully find a cure.
“I am grateful to be supported so well and obviously understand the importance of raising money for cancer.
“People are doing it tough out there but people will support a day like this because they have lost someone dear to them to cancer so I think it is pretty important that we keep running these days.”
While the official Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea day was May 22, the event can be held any time in May with Mount Gambier’s Biggest Morning Tea traditionally falling on the last Friday of the month.
Mrs Petersen said the event will raise money for cancer research, prevention and support services including the Cancer Council SA Greenhill Lodge facility which is an important resource for regional cancer patients and their families.
“On the day there are people in the room that have used that facility so it’s pretty important because they’re going through an emotional time,” she said.
“Some people have never been to the city so it is all very daunting.
“They can get food, nice accommodation, they are well looked after and they can get buses out to their treatment, so it just gives them that little bit of protection and takes away the scare factor I think.
“They can talk to other people that are going through the experience as well or may have already been a few treatments in so they can get that bit of support and guidance.”
There will be something for everyone at tomorrow’s gathering, with a trading table in memory of Peter Bayre, lucky dip, door prizes, raffle, wine wall and silent auction.
Allendale East Area School will also host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea tomorrow from 10.30am to 12noon with tickets $10 and available at the front office.
