Moree Weebolla Bulls traded their footy boots for black ties, while members, sponsors, supporters and friends dressed to the nines for the 2019 Moree Weebolla Bulls Black Tie Ball.
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Close to 200 people filled Moree Town Hall for the biennial ball, which this year supported the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS).
"It was really good," Weebolla Bulls Ball committee member Nicole Youngberry said.
"We were really happy with the turnout and everyone had a wonderful time.
"The ball is always a nice opportunity for people to get out and dress up."
Special guests at the ball were WRHS CEO Richard Jones OAM, WHRS community liaison officer and former flight crew member for 38 years Graham Nikkison and WRHS New England North West volunteer coordinator Kim Newling, along with Moree poet Murray Hartin.
Mr Jones said it was a "terrific" night.
"Graham and Kim spent a few days in the region beforehand and were gobsmacked by a) the drought and b) how the community came together to support us," he said.
"We're amazed at what people continually do, particularly in times of drought. We're humbled by the level of support we continually receive."
A total of $11,650 was raised during the auction, all of which will go to ensuring that the WRHS can continue to provide vital assistance to the Moree and surrounding local communities, free of charge.
There was also an espresso martini bar on the night, sponsored by Brooker Trading Co (formerly Cafe 2400) and the PO Hotel, with all proceeds from the $10 martinis also going directly to the WRHS.
The fundraising total is yet to be tallied, however the Ladies Day committee will wait until after the 2019 Weebolla Bulls Ladies Day on July 27 - which is also supporting the WRHS - before they formally announce a combined final figure.
Mr Jones guaranteed that the money donated by the Bulls will stay locally and be used for the New England North West service.
"[This support] means we can continue to provide a world-class level of service to the region, God-forbid it's needed," he said.
"I take my hat off to the committee and the Bulls for thinking of us.
"It's a remarkable thing that the Bulls have done and it says something about sport and community and how sport supports communities and vice versa. I congratulate them, from the president down to the water boys and girls."
