Marton's Blue Tie Ball raises $40,000 for rescue helicopter

(From left) Dominic Rayner, pilot Chris Moody, Emily Rayner, Gabi Rivers and Jason Wing hold the cheque presented to the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter. Photo/ Rebekah Mudford

Farmers traded in gumboots for dancing shoes on Saturday - and all for a worthy cause.

The Blue Tie Ball, held at the Marton Memorial Hall, raised over $40,000 for Palmerston North rescue helicopter - and it was Marton man Jason Wing's way of saying thank you.

In September 2014, a quad bike accident left Mr Wing lying on a steep slope on the family farm with one leg over his shoulder.

He was quickly delivered to hospital by the Palmerston North rescue helicopter, and he credits that response with saving his life.

So on Saturday, for the second year running, Mr Wing, and his support crew hosted a ball to acknowledge the hard work the rescue helicopter team do for the region.

"Last year alone, these guys rescued 376 people in the Whanganui-Palmerston North-Rangitaiki region - I have just got great admiration for them," Mr Wing said.

Last year's Blue Tie Ball raised $30,000 and this year's $40,000 total definitely exceeded expectations, he said.

This year the event attracted 310 people and more than 20 sponsors, the three main ones being McVerry Crawford Motors, J & J Walters and Midwest Disposal Services.

The night featured an auction with about 20 different prizes - the big one being return flights with Air Chathams to Auckland with accommodation and tickets to an All Blacks game.

"It was an outstanding night and the support from the local communities, the sponsors and all the people that attended was just amazing," Mr Wing said.

The organising team, including his partner Gabi Rivers and friends Emily and Dominic Rayner, have already had a debrief and are making plans for the next one.

"It's getting easier to get sponsors. Once people see how well it's run, people just want to get involved, which is awesome."