By CASEY NEILL
FANCY frocks and a flutter on the ponies will support women when they need it most.
The Inner Wheel Club of Berwick raised $3800 through its Oaks Day Ladies Luncheon at Clover Cottage, on Thursday 5 November.
The money will go to a wig library at St John of God’s oncology centre in Kangan Drive, Berwick.
Former cancer patient and hairdresser Maree Quinn volunteers with the wig services team, which hopes to open its doors in time for Christmas.
She said women would be able to borrow wigs during their cancer treatment and until their hair grew back.
Ms Quinn said the library would start with 70 wigs but that would quickly grow.
She wants to make the experience a positive one and will encourage women to book in for a wig fitting to select a new look.
“The worst thing about having cancer is when you lose your hair you lose your dignity,” she said.
“A wig gives it back.”
She said the wigs cost at least $300, so borrowing one freed up money for treatment bills.
Women will receive advice on how to look after the wig, shampoo and conditioner, and a confidence boost.
About 120 luncheon guests arrived dressed in their finery to drinks and canapes.
Rose Pintaudi from Autumn Rose Boutique in Berwick judged fashions on the field, awarding Liliana Zanon the Classiest Filly title and Sharon Zappa the Best Hat crown.
Seven husbands of the Inner Wheel women dressed as Dodgy Brothers bookies and collected $2 a sweep entry for the races at Flemington, which were shown on a big screen.
Each had an Inner Wheel ‘jockey’ by his side to assist, several in silks made by Hahn Tran of Artistic Styling in Timbarra.
Raffle tickets and auctions brought in more cash.
