- The $850,000 Melbourne Cup Trophy will visit Ronald McDonald House North Fitzroy on 14th October 2025 to launch the VRC's Pin & Win charity fundraiser
- The 2025 Pin & Win campaign aims to raise $1 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania during the Spring Racing Carnival
- Ambassadors attending include 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Robbie Dolan, TV presenter Elly Wicks, and Godolphin Australia's Head Trainer James Cummings
- Last year's campaign raised a record £660,000 for RMHC Victoria & Tasmania
- The Pin & Win initiative has raised more than £7.9 million for Australian charities since its inception
Melbourne, October 2025 — The Lexus Melbourne Cup Trophy will visit the Ronald McDonald House North Fitzroy at Casa Elda Vaccari on the 14th October, to mark the launch of the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) 2025 Pin & Win charity fundraiser, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary work of Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania (RMHC VIC & TAS) and the families they support.
The visit of the coveted 18-carat gold $850,000 Melbourne Cup Trophy — one of the most prized trophies in the sports world —will bring joy and excitement to the House’s resident families while officially kicking off the VRC’s annual Pin & Win campaign, which this year aims to raise $1 million for RMHC VIC & TAS throughout the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival.
The day will also provide the media with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the beloved trophy while hearing from Pin & Win ambassadors and RMHC families whose lives have been directly impacted by the charity’s vital programs.
Confirmed ambassadors attending include:
- Robbie Dolan, 2024 Melbourne Cup winner
- Elly Wicks, TV presenter and RMHC ambassador
- James Cummings, Head Trainer for Godolphin Australia
- Tim English, Western Bulldogs ruckman
- Rudi Ellis, Melbourne Vixens netballer
Together, they will help celebrate the launch of this year’s campaign and share their passion for supporting families of seriously ill and injured children.
“We’re incredibly proud that last year’s campaign raised a record-breaking $660,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania, and we’re determined to build on that momentum again this year. The VRC is honoured to support the vital work RMHC does to keep families close during some of life’s most difficult moments,” said VRC CEO Kylie Rogers.
For families facing the unimaginable challenge of caring for a seriously ill or injured child, Ronald McDonald House Charities provides more than just a place to stay — it offers comfort, stability and community at a time when life feels most uncertain. Each pin purchased through the Pin & Win campaign helps keep families close to the medical care their child needs, covering accommodation, warm meals and emotional support.
About us:
About the Pin & Win Campaign
The VRC’s Pin & Win is the club’s flagship annual charity fundraiser and has raised more than $7.9 million for Australian charities since its inception. Pins will be sold throughout the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, with proceeds helping RMHC VIC & TAS continue its mission of supporting families when they need it most.
Learn more about the 2025 campaign here: vrc.com.au/melbourne-cup-carnival/pin-and-win-2025
About Ronald McDonald House Charities VIC & TAS
For more than 35 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania has provided a home away from home for families with seriously ill or injured children. Through its Houses and Family Room programs, RMHC helps families stay together and supported during times of medical crisis. This vital work is made possible through the generosity of donors, sponsors and volunteers.
Media are invited to attend the festivities at Ronald McDonald House from 10:30am for photo opportunities and interviews.
Contact details:
For media enquiries please contact Modern Currency:
Gabby Oberman - Senior Account Manager
[email protected] 0411 774 197
Michelle Palmer - Director
0412 774 280
