There'll be sweepstakes and big bets being placed this Melbourne Cup, but the real winners of Tauranga's Melbourne Cup Rotary Charity Luncheon will be three non-profit charities.

Funds raised from Rotary Tauranga Te Papa's inaugural charity luncheon at Tauranga Racecourse on November 3 will go to St John Ambulance, Tauranga SPCA and Prostate Cancer Foundation.

'It doesn't matter which horse wins, it's the charities that are going to be the real winners,” says event coordinator Sharon Hitchcock.

There's no race meeting that Tuesday, but the live races across the ditch will be played on big screens for punters to watch all of the action.

Sharon says the Rotary club is hoping this will be an annual event.

'We want to bring Melbourne to Tauranga and take the opportunity to raise funds for a few charities.

'With posh nosh and live entertainment from Kokomo, it's going to be an afternoon to remember.”

MC'd by Tauranga radio personality Will Johnson, the event includes Melbourne Cup sweepstakes, a Fashion in the Field contest, a competition for the best fascinator, a sit-down meal and a charity auction.

The Melbourne Cup Rotary Charity Luncheon is at Tauranga Racecourse lounge on November 3 from 12.30pm-6pm, with the Melbourne Cup screening on big screens from 5pm.

Tickets cost $90, with a limited 300 seats available. To book tickets, email jockmcintyre@vodafone.co.nz or contact Sharon on 027 272 7417.