For the second year in a row the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club is going pink on Saturday, January 4 to support the McGrath Foundation.
The metro race day coincides with the Australia vs India Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the club has organised for the top-weight of each race to wear the pink McGrath Foundation Community Friend silks.
With the support of Sportsbet, every time a jockey in the pink silks wins a race, $1000 will be donated direct to the McGrath Foundation.
“Last year we held a fundraiser where we as a club donated $5 from every hospitality package sold, combined with our raffle proceeds and patron donations we raised over $3000,” said GBJC Chief Executive Nicole Arnold.
“This is the second year that we’re holding this event and this time we are using some of our Sportsbet promotional money to hopefully double our donation from last year.
“Sportsbet is supporting the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club’s efforts to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation by matching the $5 we donate from every hospitality package sold, bringing the total donation to $10 per package.
“Additionally, the McGrath Foundation has kindly supported the creation of a special set of pink silks to be worn by the highest-weighted jockey in each race. For every win in these silks, the club will donate $1,000 to the McGrath Foundation, with Sportsbet proudly backing this initiative.
“There’s the potential that we could be donating nine grand just from the racing alone which they were more than happy to do, and that’s on top of our fundraising with the hospitality packages,” she said.
Last year a sea of pink in the crowd created a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere and patrons are once again encouraged to dress in pink particularly for the Fashions at the Races competition.
Supporting the McGrath Foundation is a cause that is close to Nicole’s heart.
“My chances of getting cancer are extremely high. I have family on both sides who have passed, survived, and are still fighting cancer. Many of our club members share similar experiences, who like to support an event like this due to being touched in our personal life by cancer.
“Each May our venue also proudly hosts the Gawler Biggest Morning Tea. We donate our space, provide access to our kitchen for Gawler High School students to prepare food, and warmly welcome everyone from the local community. All funds raised through ticket sales and raffles on that day go directly to the Cancer Council,” she said.
It’s initiatives like this that propelled the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club to winning the Most Outstanding Achievement by a Club Award at the 2023/24 Sportsbet Industry Awards.
“We’ve always been committed to giving back to the community and by aligning with the Pink theme on race day we’re hoping to make an impact on a local level like the Pink Test does and unite our community in support of breast cancer awareness.
“There are a lot of foundations who raise funds for cancer research but we really like being able to support the McGrath Breast Care nurses who provide physical, psychological and emotional support,” said Nicole.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/gawler-racecourse-goes-pink-saturday-4th-january-2025/164644