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An extraordinary fundraising effort has been achieved for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) at the recent ‘HBCF Pink Race Day’ supported by Clubs in the Community held at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday, 13 July 2024.

More than $143,000 was raised for the charity, smashing the record of $105,000 raised at the previous year's event.

"This was our fifteenth year of having this event, and it is our most popular event. It brings in the most money for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, and ClubsNSW have been awesome sponsors," said Cath Adams, the President of the HBCF.

"We're about supporting the local community, and this event is just a great opportunity for the community to all come together."

And come together the community did, with the Trackside Marquee, Pink Meadows Marquee, Ascot Lawn, Mark Murphy Lounge, and Pink Courtyard Room all sold out and a sea of pink worn by patrons as a sign of commitment and unity towards the cause.

A portion of Newcastle Racecourse ticket sales formed part of the overall fundraising amount for the HBCF, with the remaining donations coming from an onsite raffle, auction, and collections made throughout the crowd on the day.

There were also significant donations made by many of the individual clubs across Newcastle and the Hunter on the day.

Speaking on behalf of Clubs in the Community, Belmont 16s Chief Executive Officer Scott Williams, expressed their pride in being involved in the event.

"The event is about Clubs of Newcastle and the Hunter combining to put some money together for a charity, and the charity we chose when we founded the event in 2009 with Newcastle Racecourse was the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation," said Scott Williams.

"The combined efforts of Newcastle Racecourse and ClubsNSW (Newcastle and Hunter Valley) have in supporting the Pink Race Day allow the HBCF to continue their valuable work in our community," said Mr Williams.

CEO of Newcastle Racecourse, Duane Dowell, was thrilled to see the community come out in support of the event.

"It was an incredible day, and we would like to thank the Newcastle Community for getting behind the event," Duane Dowell said.

"We're proud to play a pivotal role in hosting the event and supporting the HBCF and the Clubs in the Community to achieve this incredible fundraising result,"

"Many who attended have family members or friends who have been touched by breast cancer and it's an honour for our team to assist in making a difference for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis."

About the Charity

The HBCF was founded in 1999 by Virginia and Milton Rigby and has been a beacon of support for breast cancer patients and their families for 25 years.

Funds raised during the event will directly support local women and men diagnosed with breast cancer, with over 500 families expected to seek the HBCF's assistance annually.