Cocktail or Classy 80’s is the theme, respected veteran SBS commentator Mike Tomalaris is the guest speaker and Sydney band Total Recall are set to entertain at what is shaping up to be another fabulous Soft Cog’s fundraising dinner.
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Soft Cogs – who describe themselves as a team of mates riding for the greater good – are hosting ‘Get Your 80’s On’ at the Civic Centre on Saturday, August 18.
The major sponsor of this annual event is OneAgency Lindy Harris and all funds raised will go toward their ongoing effort to support Australians suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
From a signed Tour De France Jersey (from this year’s event) to a dinner and accommodation package in Sydney with Mike Tomalaris and a three course meal at Restaurant Botanica, there are some fabulous prizes that will be raffled or auctioned during the evening.
Mike Tomalaris is one of the longest-serving members of the SBS Sports Team having worked on many international events such as the 1992 and 1996 European Football Championships and the 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
He has since developed a love affair with cycling and is now the network's face of the two-wheeled sport.
Mike was recognised by the Australian Sports Commission for 'Most Outstanding Contribution to a Sport by an Individual' at the 2011 annual awards.
Soft Cogs president Kim Nguyen says all of their previous fundraising dinners have been successful and a hit with the guests whilst also raising significant funds for MS.
“The fundraising dinner is a great way to showcase our fun loving nature and give people a glimpse into what we do. It takes a fair bit for the team to organise, but to see so many people enjoying themselves as well as raising so much for charity - it's definitely worth the effort,” he says.
Soft Cogs has raised over $1.25 million in the last 13 years.
Although the motivation for establishing the group was not actually born from an association with MS, Kim explains.
“It was more so trying to introduce more people into riding as a healthy past time and raising money for the community at the same time. There are plenty of great areas to enjoy the outdoors in the Hunter and taking that first step into getting on the bike can seem daunting. We provide a social environment where people of all abilities can feel comfortable in riding with like minded people, as well as teaching them safe riding skills, he says.
“That said, Multiple Sclerosis has no cure and affects over 23,000 Australians. We know heaps of people affected by MS and know first hand the effect it can have on them and their families - so it brings us much satisfaction knowing we make a big impact.”
The dinner will be catered by Mama’s Kitchen and tickets can be purchased online at the Soft Cogs website for $80 each or $760. Click here
Kim would like to thank One Agency’s Lindy Harris for her support and all the other local businesses who have donated prizes.
WHO ARE THEY?
The Soft Cogs Incorporated is a team of riders who share their love of riding bikes (road, mountain, triathlon, recumbent, tandem… you name it!). We predominantly come from the Hunter Valley however have riders who live in Sydney, Qld and beyond. We choose to band together and put our fundraising efforts into the MS Sydney to Wollongong bike ride (MS Gong Ride) every November.
Everyone is welcome to ride with us, our objectives are:
- Spread the word of riding and healthy lifestyles to our networks
- Promote a safe, fun, responsible and sustainable riding atmosphere
- Raise funds for local charities
As you can see, it’s about more than just fundraising. We’re all about our network and their families.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
We campaign one fundraising event, the MS Gong Ride event, held in November each year. We obtain sponsors and symbolise the team (whilst recognising the sponsors) in a new jersey each year. The ride is an excellent ride, iconic for many bike riders, established in 1981. After the ride, the Soft Cogs have a marquee at the finish site and catering and refreshments are provided, historically free of charge. Not bad!
We often support our fundraising efforts through fundraising events during the year, such as trivia nights, dinner/dances, or our biggest event ever, the 2012 Soft Cogs Ball.
Each year we average 110 riders in our team and collectively raise $100,000.
