The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most prestigious annual Thoroughbred horse race and the annual Melbourne Cup Fundraiser is the same for the Samoan community.   A real Extravaganza, now in its 26th year.
 
 
Held at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, entry to the event was free so it wasn’t just the “who’s who” of society present … and they all were there, but also anyone from the community wanting to be involved in an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.  Not having to break the bank to buy a plane ticket to go to Melbourne to enjoy the action meant there was plenty of $tala available for the food and drink with live music but also the mega raffle, auction and of course the tote for some good ‘ol horse betting on the races.
 
An absolute highlight was the ladies hat parade (pictured) … the blokes’ version was not so glam.  And if you had a great hat you were probably also in with a chance for the ‘best dressed’ prize. Everyone enjoyed themselves for a great cause.
 
Every $tala goes towards funding scholarships for Samoan Students and the large number of people and support from the corporates in pre-booking tables made this an exceptional afternoon. Inequity in education exists due to socioeconomic statuses, gender and disability and the generosity of the ‘punters’ enables Rotary Club Apia to assist many keen young Foundation Students, transition to Higher Education with the hope to increase their employability and therefore improve their livelihoods for a better future and a better Samoa.