THE Penola community will unite with a fundraising dinner on Saturday evening in support of Variety SA, which has supported Penola boy Max Croser as he continues treatment for severe burns.
The Variety V2 Motorcycle Run is on the way to the region, with participants to be greeted with the gala event and country hospitality.
Riders will celebrate their 10th anniversary as 61 entrants, 29 bikes, six support vehicles, a coach and helicopter arrive ready to explore what the South East has to offer.
The V2 Motorcycle Run is an “up-market” event designed to attract motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy firing up their bikes for a four-day luxury cruise, requiring no organisation on their part.
The emphasis is on interesting roads, stunning scenery, great food and wine, camaraderie and entertainment.
The event has raised more than $1.7m to help children in need over its 10-year history and it is expected this week’s run will deliver another $150,000 to boost that tally.
Variety events manager Alex Richards said this year’s event will involve entrants travelling from the Adelaide Hills through Meningie to Robe, where they will stop overnight tomorrow and enjoy a seafood extravaganza.
“We have fundraised well above our minimum requirement of $4300 and the night will be a fantastic way to celebrate all of the efforts and say thank you,” Mr Richards said.
From Robe they will meander through Beachport and Port MacDonnell to Penola, finishing the day with a Greek feast at Raidis Estate winery on Friday night.
The following night, after travelling through western Victoria, the gala dinner will be held in the Rymill Memorial Hall.
As a result of fundraising efforts, the charity provided the Croser family with a new vehicle to assist with frequent trips to Adelaide for the 10-year-old’s treatment.
“The family car did not provide air conditioning, which made travelling difficult,” Mr Richards said.
The car will officially be presented to the family on Saturday night and a major auction and accompanying silent auction will also be held to support Variety.
TAFE SA chef Ian Perry and students will showcase South East produce with a three course meal for the visiting riding group and attendees.
Organiser and family friend Mardi Currie said the community has shown fantastic support with donations of produce, auction items and wines showcasing the Coonawarra for the gala dinner.
“Wattle Range Council has generously donated use of Rymill Hall for the evening and local businesses have thrown their support behind the event,” Ms Currie said.
The event will be held at 6.30pm and will host 150 attendees.
“We are excited to come to the region for the night to support the Croser family and enjoy the local food and wine,” Mr Richards said.
Pre-purchasing tickets for the dinner is advised as they will not be available at the door.
Contact Mardi Currie on 0419 861 789 for tickets or further details.
