Guide Dogs punt on high heels and horses - October 2010

Christmas party revelers on the Sunshine Coast are urged to head to the track on Friday, December 3, 2010 for a race meeting to benefit Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ).

The Christmas Champagne Race Night will be held at Caloundra’s picturesque Corbould Park with proceeds from race sponsorship and corporate dinner packages to benefit GDQ.

The Sunshine Coast Turf Club is one of the country’s finest thoroughbred racing facilities and the provincial meeting is expected to attract a high calibre of horses and jockeys.

With bands and entertainment featured throughout the evening, the race night is expected to provide a carnival atmosphere for punters and spectators alike.

One of the first night Race Meetings for the Summer Carnival, the evening will feature seven races all of which are available to corporates to sponsor for $950 a race.

Whilst ‘Naming Rights Sponsorships’ are one fundraising opportunity available to business to support, GDQ is keen for bosses to pre-book course tickets from the charity.

Race goers can purchase entry tickets to the meeting for $15 from Guide Dogs Queensland’s regional office in Maroochydore. Race tickets purchased from GDQ will directly benefit the charity. Concession tickets are available for $10.

Patrons are also urged to keep an eye out for 11 plastic donation bins in the shape of a Guide Dog that are spread around the Turf Club. All are painted in bright jockey colours.

Sunshine Coast business leaders struggling for ideas for the annual work Christmas Party are encouraged to reward staff - and a beloved charity - with a great night out.

Gates will open at 5.00 pm with the first race expected to get underway around 6.30pm. Ample parking is available for guests off Pierce Avenue, Caloundra.

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO, Chris Laine said the meeting will be a great night’s entertainment and perfect for Christmas Party revelers celebrating the festive season.

“We hope the Sunshine Coast community will embrace the event so as to ensure the Christmas cheer lasts well beyond the Yuletide season and benefits those in need.”

“It costs $30,000 to breed, train and place each Guide Dog with no Government funding for these services, “she said.

“The Christmas Champagne Race Night is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to kick-up their heels whilst also helping to raise money for the training of Guide Dog pups”.

For more information, please contact Olwyn Kerr, Community Relations Manager at Guide Dogs Queensland on (07) 5443 8033 or 0488 137 701. Email o.kerr@guidedogsqld.com.au