People who watch Channel Seven’s Sunrise morning program, will be familiar with the Tour De Cure ride which takes place.
The motto of the ride is that they will continue raise funds until they find a cure for cancer.
So far, the ride has raised $108 million over 18 years, and after eight years, the ride is returning to South Australia.
ChannelSeven sports reporter Mark Beretta is on the board of directors, and travels with the group each year broadcasting from the towns they visit.
Next year, the Tour De Cure is travelling from Geelong to Adelaide and will be stopping over in the region on Friday March 22, 2024.
Around 180 riders and crew will travel from Kingston to Meningie on the Friday, staying overnight in Meningie.
They will leave on Saturday morning from the Lions Jubilee Park located on the shores of Lake Albert.
Meningie is holding a major fundraising dinner event on Friday night in the school hall with around 230 to 250 guests.
Marianne Cunneen, who is coordinating the event, said it would be a huge boost for Meningie.
It will be the last night of the ride and the participants will be keen to celebrate with the locals.
Meningie has hosted the Tour de Cure before – ten years ago the riders stayed in Meningie and again in 2015.
The Meningie events have gained a reputation for being great, and Mrs Cunneen is hoping this one will be the best yet.
Mrs Cunneen said she remembers that a plate of cream puffs was auctioned for $750 at the last event.
Next year there are three events planned; a major auction of ‘big ticket items’, a silent auction and a spin the wheel where guests will buy tickets for smaller draws held regularly during the evening.
She said it was a great opportunity for people and businesses to contribute to a great cause by donating items for the fundraiser.
A number of items have been pledged by the South Australian AFL clubs.
Mrs Cunneen said she was hoping for some items that could fetch ‘big money’ as well as smaller items for the silent auction and the lucky spin wheel.
“There will be 180 visitors staying overnight in Meningie with all accommodation houses booked and a few leftovers staying in homes,” she said.
“That while the proceeds of the dinner will aid a local project, yet to be decided, the proceeds of three events during the evening will go straight to Tour De Cure.
“We are planning to have some cooking demonstrations in the park in the morning with Coorong Wild Seafood including some of our unique Coorong mullet and even some carp.
Mrs Cunneen wants residents to provide lasting memories for the riders as they coast through the region.
“We are also encouraging all those who live along Princes Highway from Salt Creek through to Wellington to decorate their front yards or gates with painted or decorated bikes or messages for the riders to see and remember us
by,” Mrs Cunneen said.
“In the hope that they will return to our region with their families one day.”
Details: To contact Mrs Cunneen to donate items or provide help in any way phone 0437 320 779.
