The organisers of this year's Tauranga police charity auction received a standing ovation after helping to raise a record $280,000 for seven Western Bay of Plenty charities.
More than 1300 people attended the sell-out Tauranga Police CIB Charitable Trust Auction at ASB Arena yesterday.
Auction organiser Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell said it was humbling to see so much money raised and to be on the receiving end of the standing ovation.
"Last year a lot of the people were saying last year was the best for money raised, the venue, quality of the auction items and the quality of the speaker. This year, we've got up there, if not better than last year. It's been 12 months of hard work from a small team," Mr Blackwell said.
"We have amazing support which every year continues to grow. People want to be part of it . . . it's about enjoying with friends, colleagues, clients . . . the transparency and credibility is important. The money goes directly to who we say it is going to . . . no one is clipping a ticket."