A HEREFORD steer will once again be auctioned off at the Scott Group of Companies Gold Cup Carnival charity luncheon, which will be held later this month to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast and prostate cancers.
The event will be held on November 30 – the day prior to the gold cup, which has been moved back from 2018 to December 1 to allow for a major overhaul of the track next year.
It is the second time a steer will be auctioned at the event after it became a popular item at the May cup luncheon, fetching $1420 from generous bidder Lambert Verhoeven.
The Witherow family at Shiloh Park and John “Slogger” Richardson have donated the steer, which they hope will raise more money for an important cause at the luncheon.
“One steer isn’t going to make or break a farm, but it could help someone with cancer, even if we helped one person we have achieved something,” Mr Richardson said.
“Cancer has touched everyone, so the sooner we get on top of it the better.”
The Hereford steer comes from Allendale bulls in Keith and is around 340kg, equalling a value of around $1400.
“He will make more than that and we are hopeful there are plenty of people there on the day willing to put their hand up to bid for the steer,” Mr Richardson said.
While the steer is once again expected to fetch a significant amount of money, he said raising awareness was even more important.
“As far as prostate cancer goes, too many men don’t worry about it, so it is more or less an awareness for men’s health to make sure people get a check-up,” he said.
Mount Gambier Racing Club president John Fartch said the breast cancer cause was combined with the event this year.
“When breast cancer screening was held last month, there were eight positives, which means there are eight women that we know for sure need help,” Mr Fartch said.
“I have a couple of friends in particular who are going through hell at the moment, so a luncheon like this is the least we can do for people like them.”
Mr Fartch said he expected the luncheon to be another success with more than eight tables already confirmed for the day.
“You can never be sure until the day, but with 80 to 90 people confirmed already we are hopeful it will be a really good day once again,” he said.
“We have former Australian Football League player and coach David Parkin as the guest speaker – he is an ambassador for prostate cancer and is apparently an excellent speaker.”
Bookings for the luncheon can be made with the Mount Gambier Racing Club online or by calling 8725 4466.
Funds raised will support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and National Breast Cancer Foundation.
