Some 315 women each paid $50 to attend a huge ladies night fundraiser at the Warrnambool greyhounds on Wednesday night.

The event raised around $15,000 for the Leila Rose Foundation, which focuses solely on supporting the families of children with rare forms of cancer.

Guests were entertained by a Julia Gillard impersonator and treated to activities such as massages and nail painting.

Event organiser Fiona Umbers of the Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club was overwhelmed by the success of the night.

“I think the reason it was so popular is that there is nothing else like this in Warrnambool,” Fiona said.

“When women in Warrnambool go for a night out it’s usually to the pub with their boyfriend or husband and they often end up talking about football and things like that.”

“There is nothing else specifically for ladies in the town.”

“I’ve already had a number of girls asking when we are going to do another event, and to raise that sort of money for the Leila Rose Foundation has been a tremendous result.”

The event was part funded by the government’s Raceday Attraction Program, and as such Minister for Racing Dr. Denis Napthine was in attendance.

“The Minister was one of three men to attend the event along with Warrnambool GRC President Phil Mitchem and MC Matt Stewart,” Fiona added.

RELATED CONTENT
LEILA ROSE FOUNDATION WEBSITE


Minister Napthine, who had a Leila Rose balloon painted on his face, with Tracy
Chow, Leila Rose's mum and Founding Director of the Leila Rose Foundation.


More than 300 women received a complimentary show bag on the night.


Julia Gillard impersonator Allison Elliot with MC Matt Stewart.

*Images courtesy Karen Giblin