FAIRFAX Media photographer Clare Lewis was at the Blayney Shire Community Centre on Saturday night for the Rotary Club of Blayney's masquerade ball, which raised funds to renovate the palliative care unit at Blayney Hospital.
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Glitz and glamour was the theme for the night as the Blayney Community Centre was transformed for the Rotary Club of Blayney's masquerade ball on Saturday.
178 guests showed up in their best evening wear to raise funds to renovate the palliative care ward at Blayney Hospital.
Blayney Shire Mayor Scott Ferguson and his wife Michelle, Western NSW Health palliative care specialist Dr Louis Christie and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole with wife Joanne attended the evening, showing their support for the cause.
Mr Toole announced a $30,000 donation on behalf of the State Government, adding onto the previous $10,000 donated at the Blayney Big Brekky.
"This ward provides a place of rest, comfort and final memories for many families and if we can help make these last days a little brighter and more comfortable, then let's make it happen," he said.
"I am constantly hearing praise for the wonderful staff that operate out of this ward, so it's only fitting for the environment to match their service.
"Supporting the Rotary Club of Blayney to achieve what they have been working so hard to achieve is an honour.
"Thank you to the wonderful volunteers that are driving this project so tirelessly."
Rotary had been hard at work for months planning the event and publicity officer Linda Alexander said the evening was unforgettable with guests treated to great entertainment and fine food courtesy of Nellie Ryan's, Michael Manners and the Old Mill.
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"The evening very exciting and gave us ladies the opportunity to dress up for the occasion," she said.
"We don't often get the chance to dust off the stilettos and get our cocktail dresses out of the wardrobe, not to mention all those gorgeous men in their dinner suits - there was plenty of eye candy!
"After all the hard work that went into this event it was a pleasing relief to see such a great turnout."
Rotary president Leeanne Wright was ecstatic with the support received from the community and the local businesses who donated items for the silent auction.
"It was an amazing night," she said.
"It was huge, it was mysterious, it was fun. So much happened.
"The money we raised was amazing.
"If there was any surprise that was fantastic it was the $30,000 from Paul Toole and the generosity of the community that was there on the night.
"It was just a great night."
She thanked all the businesses who got involved in making the night a success including Regis Resources, Blayney Real Estate, Bernardi's, Geoff Bottom, Posh Designs, Athol Gardens, NSW local health district and the Rotarians and ball committee members who gave up their time to create the event.
With the final tally of funds yet to be released, it is estimated the final figure is around $100,000.
Blayney Rotary will be calling for volunteers in coming weeks to raise the final funds in the annual Blayney to Bathurst cycling event.
