More than 500 people dressed in their best vintage cocktail outfits raised at least $80,000 for the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust last night.
The Hastings Karamu Rotary Club Annual Cocktail Party, held at the A&P Showgrounds, has been raising money for the trust for the last 26 years through ticket sales and an auction at each event.
Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust general manager Ian Wilmot said he was thrilled with the auction which raised $52,000, with an ultimate dining experience at Craggy Range that included a performance by the New Zealand Orchestra getting the highest bid of the night at $8000.
People from all over Hawke's Bay attended the event which is the single biggest fundraiser for the trust each year, he said.
"It's a very, very valuable fundraiser in terms of the money we raise and the profile it gives us."