Ladies and gentlemen are preparing their finest outfits for the highly-anticipated Oaks Day Luncheon, set to make its grand return to Kilmore next week.
The day at Kilmore Trackside on November 9 will feature a three-course luncheon, a silent auction, and live music by Whittlesea’s Shanae Watson, who most recently appeared on television program The Voice.
The keenly-awaited raffle will leave attendees crossing their fingers to win this year’s major prize – a stocked wine fridge.
With awards up for grabs for the best-dressed lady and gentleman, the event provides an excuse for residents to dress up in their finest and feel part of ladies’ day at Flemington without having to travel to Melbourne.
Organiser Bev Carman, who is a Northern Health Foundation patron, has hosted Oaks Day at Kilmore Trackside since 2010 to raise money for Northern Health in Epping, providing the hospital with funding to support its cancer patients.
Past instalments have raised funds for specialty medical equipment, chemotherapy chairs, wig libraries, storage cabinets and freezer caps for patients to keep their hair, among other items.
The money raised this year will potentially support the implementation of a wellness centre at the hospital.
Ms Carman most recently hosted the annual race day at Kilmore Trackside, which raised $11,000 that went towards upgrading a section of the outdoor garden area in the palliative care unit at Northern Health, to be dubbed ‘Kilmore’s corner’.
Ms Carman is hopeful the day will be a success, with tickets still available to fill the room.
“Some of the girls have been coming ever since I started and I’m very grateful to them, but it is lovely to see new people starting to come as well,” she said.
“You don’t have to buy a table – you can just buy a seat.”
Tickets are $80 per person, including sparkling wine on arrival and a three-course luncheon.
People can purchase a seat by calling Kilmore Trackside on 5783 0700.
