Restaurateurs have teamed up on a campaign to support Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute with $2 on top of each bill donated to the not-for-profit organisation’s work.

Mitchell Harris Wines started promoting Restaurants for Research this week with co-owner Alicia Mitchell saying it was important to support local charities. Ms Mitchell encouraged diners to give that little extra this month.

More than 20 restaurants have joined the appeal, including Underbar, The Pub with Two Names, The Forge, Lake House Daylesford, The Boatshed Restaurant, Mr Jones Dining, Eclectic Tastes and Pipers By the Lake.

FECRI director George Kannourakis hoped the new campaign would help the community understand more about the internationally-recognised contribution to cancer research made in Ballarat.

“Our every step towards beating cancer through research is made possible by the generous support of our community,” Professor Kannourakis said.

“We hope the community will support this campaign while eating out in October and are incredibly grateful to all participating restaurants and our partners for their support.”

FECRI does not receive government funding and relies on community support. The Institute’s primary fundraiser is the Reach4Research Cycle Classic each February.

A luxury degustation spin-off, the three-day Western Victoria Cancer Ride, will take off next month.

Opened in 1998, FECRI continues to bring to life the dream of Ballarat teenager Fiona Elsey, who died with cancer in 1991 and wanted cancer research to be made in her hometown.

FECRI remains Australia’s sole regional cancer research centre. The Institute has made a name for its achievements into immunotherapy targets for ovarian cancer and histiocytic disorders.

Based in Ballarat Technology Park, FECRI has nine PhD students from Federation University working alongside 10 senior scientific staff. Other recognised achievements include immune studies in cancer and leukaemia, and identifying a new method for isolating viruses.

Restaurants for Research will allow diners to opt in or opt out, depending on the restaurant, of the FECRI tip on bills throughout October.

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