SADDLE UP FOR THE KIAMA CUP

COME on Kiama here's a chance to support a race day of your own.

On Saturday, April 14 the Kiama Lions Club is organising the race day at Kembla Grange Racecourse and Kiama Council is sponsoring the premier event " the Kiama Cup.

The race day will be open to all Kiama residents with free tickets for any one who wants to attend.

Kiama Lions organiser, Geoff Heinecke, said the race day was all about enjoying the community spirit of Kiama.

"It will be a community day when everyone in Kiama can have a day out together, enjoy each other's company, dress up in the party spirit and have a great time.

"You don't have to be a racing fan " it will be day like the Melbourne Cup with people just enjoying themselves and raising money for charity at the same time," Mr Heinecke said.

The major fundraising effort this year by the Kiama Lions Club is

Vietnam Operation Smile.

The club has already sent well over $20,000 to Operation Smile in Vietnam where for $100 to pay theatre fees, an international team of volunteer surgeons carry out the delicate operations needed to fix the faces of babies born with deformed palates and hair lips.

Without the surgery, the babies would be doomed to a life of misery as they grow into young children and adults.

Kiama Lions have pledged to raise $100,000 for the program over the next two years " enough to fix a thousand babies' faces.

Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy told the Kiama Independent that council was backing the race day.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for all residents to come and enjoy a day out at the races with family and friends and support a worthy cause at the same time.

"I'm very confident it will be a great success and a great event."

The mayor said council had worked with the Kiama Lions Club over many years on many worthwhile projects and she congratulated the Lions on their initiative.

"This will be a first ever for Kiama and good publicity for the municipality.

"Even a lot of people who don't normally go to the races will be able to go along for the first time and support this wonderful fundraiser.

"Hopefully this will be the first of an annual event and a good way tom promote Kiama.

"Hopefully we will get many Kiama businesses and the Chamber of Commerce and other organisations to support this great event in an way they can."

Some 2.7 million racing fans all over Australia will see the running of the races on the day on Skychannel.

As well, businesses that are sponsoring the race day along with Kiama Council will be able to put their own signage at the event and invite their own special guests.

Mr Heinecke said entry to the races will be free for Kiama residents and tickets will be distributed in the weeks before the day.

However those who would like to will also be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the Bert Lilley Lounge at the course where a $65 entry fee will provide a quality three-course meal, drinks for the afternoon and afternoon tea.

"The Lions will also be auctioning off sporting memorabilia, holidays, dinners out at restaurants and other items as part of their fundraising," Mr Heinecke said,

Further details will be published in future editions of the Kiama Independent or those interested can ask a Kiama Lions Club member.