Geoff Clear - the man behind the event - said he came up with the idea 15 years ago to raise awareness in his own family and "to put a smile on the faces" of children battling cancer.
"I have had people in my family die of cancer . . . I wanted to raise my own children's awareness and do something to help," he said.
"We put on a good show in the Barn at Moonlight Country, everyone dresses up to the nines, has plenty to eat and drink before taking part in a charity auction."
All the money raised is used to bring Otago-Southland teenagers who have cancer for a fun weekend in Queenstown.
The entertainment at this year's fundraiser will be provided by Solid Gold, which includes award-winning singers Suzanne Lynch and Ray Woolf.
Goodies being auctioned include a box-framed bat signed by Don Bradman and an electric guitar signed by Keith Richards.
• The Melbourne Cup at the Barn at Moonlight Country takes place on Tuesday, November 4, at 3.30pm.
The $95 tickets include champagne on arrival, platter-style dinner and entertainment.
Tickets are available from: sales@moonlightcountry.co.nz.
