The Longest Table fundraiser will be held in Mount Gambier later this month. The event is being organised by Erin Launer and features a semi-formal dinner at The Limestone Coast Pantry on July 17, starting at 6pm.

Ms Launer has organised the fundraiser in memory of her mother Renee Tichbon, who passed away from cancer just after Christmas 2020. The event will raise funds for Australian Breast Cancer Research, a charity of the Hospital Research Foundation.

“I was inspired by my late mum, Renee, who passed away from metastatic breast cancer at the end of 2020,” Ms Launer said. “Mum was an inspiration to me, and she wanted to do her part to help cancer research so that others like herself, and our family, would not have to go through what we have experienced.

“Mum took part in clinical trials, knowing that doing so would help the research needed to find better treatments for cancer. “Hosting a Longest Table seemed like a great way to celebrate mum’s life, remember her, raise money, dance and have fun, which she loved to do.”

Ms Launer has enlisted her late mother’s friends Callena Rawlings and Marita Chuck to help with the event. “We have had amazing support from local businesses within our community so far and would like to acknowledge the generosity of the Mount Gambier community,” she said. The fundraiser will consist of a two course sit down meal and will have live music from local artist Jess Magarey and Millicent duo JB and Crowey.

It will be emceed by local business personalities and well-known community members Katie Fox and Alex Williams. There will be a raffle and silent auction on the night and drinks available at the bar. Tickets are $80, which includes the dinner and a donation to the charity.

Tickets can be purchased via events. humanitix.com/the-longest-table-the-pantry, or online through the Facebook event on the Limestone Coast Pantry Facebook page.