Aluncheon with a cause was held in Mount Gambier on the weekend, raising funds for two local cancer support groups.

The Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group and the Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group fundraiser race day was held at the Glenburnie racecourse for the first time in two years.

The event, hosted by the Mount Gambier Racing Club, included an eight-race program with a qualifying heat of the Jericho Cup over 3160m which was won by a Ballarat entrant.

The highlight of the day was the fundraiser luncheon, which included a reserved seat in the upstairs members lounge, race book, three course meal and four-hour drinks package.

There were around 100 attendees, including members of the local support groups, with the money raised on the day to be divided between both groups.

Local doctor Mike Bruorton was guest speaker on the day, delivering a presentation regarding his experiences dealing with patients with the two prominent cancers.

There were also fundraising auctions on the day which included big ticket items

such as a Hereford steer donated by John “Slogger” Richardson and Jenny Richardson from Shiloh Farms which raised $4300 and a set of tyres from Bucik Tyrepower fetching $1150.

Mount Gambier Racing Club committee member John Fartch said the club was proud to be able to host the event again and give back to the local community.

“We are trying to regenerate a lot of events following COVID-19 because the previous event two years ago we had 160 attendees,” he said.

“It made for a good day and attracted people from as far as Warrnambool who supported the occasion.

“The Jericho Cup heats take place around Australia and New Zealand, and we are lucky enough to be able to host a heat every year from now on.

“Thankyou to all the sponsors who have gone over and above to support these causes and everyone who attended.”