Sharon Hitchcock, coordinator of the Melbourne Cup Charity Auction, at Magazine Designer Clothing at Mount Maunganui. Photo / George Novak
There's no better excuse to get your glam on than for a day at the races.
The Melbourne Cup Charity Auction is not quite a day at the races - it's so much more.
Think fun, entertainment, good company, gourmet three-course meal, wine, auctions and prizes, high fashion and topped off up with an exciting screening of the Melbourne Cup live on the big screen.
And it's all for charity.
Event co-ordinator Sharon Hitchcock says there's no better excuse to get dressed to the nines.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to dress up. There's not a lot of events in Tauranga where people can get really dressed up, that's the driving force ... to have a luxurious afternoon and at the same time raise money for charity."
The Melbourne Cup Charity Auction is a joint venture between Tauranga Te Papa Rotary and Zonta. There are fabulous prizes for fashion in the field winners, both male and female. Magazine Designer Clothing are sponsoring the fashion in the field prize for women (plus best fasinator) and Mane Menswear for men's best dressed prize.
There's a chance to win big as well. Sweepstakes will be sold on the day.
MC is Wellington corporate entertainer/comedian Pinky Agnew and guest speaker is adventurer Kevin Biggar.
The charity recipients change most years. This year proceeds will mostly go to Homes of Hope and Tauranga Women's Refuge, and other charitable activities of Zonta and Tauranga Te Papa Rotary.
Recipients from previous years include the women's refuge, all three local surf life saving clubs, Kids Can, Tauranga Prostrate Cancer support group and St John Tauranga.
They have raised more than $60,000 over the past three years and the aim is to raise $40,000 this year. At present, 320 tickets have been sold from a total of 450.
Sharon says the Melbourne Cup Charity Auction is a great event for early work Christmas parties.
Tables of 10 are available or tickets can be sold individually. Book online at Events Pronto or contact Sharon on 027 272 7417 to secure a table. A few sponsorship packages are still available.
THE DETAILS
What: Melbourne Cup Charity Auction
Where: ASB Stadium lounge at Baypark, Tauranga
When: Tuesday, November 6, 12.30-6pm Tickets: $120 per person via sharon.hitchcock@xtra.co.nz or eventspronto.co.nz/thecup Or call Sharon, 027 272 7417.
The deaths are the first in this year's Christmas road toll period.