One of the event co-ordinators, Bernie Price, said the event sold out weeks ago with minimal promotion.

“By the time we got around to putting ads out it had sold out through word of mouth,”  Ms Price said.

Last year’s ball raised $28,000 for the Peter’s Project campaign for a south-west cancer centre.

“We haven’t had a chance to have a look at the figures … but we should be on target to make the same amount, if not more,” Ms Price said.

She put the black tie ball’s success down to the good cause, the formal dress code and novel location.

“It’s a little bit unique. We don’t have anything else like that (on the social calendar),” Ms Price said.

“It’s a chance for people to get dressed up (and that’s) something we don’t have a lot of … particularly in a marquee in the centre of town.

“And given that it’s a fund-raiser for a good cause, everyone is happy to participate.”

The event featured live music and a three-course meal. There were also live and silent auctions, with donated items up for grabs including a fully-catered Christmas party for 50 people, boat trip to Lady Julia Percy Island, golf course memberships and accommodation packages. 

Ms Price said the ball took a year of planning and had to be worked in with Fun4Kids.

She thanked the city council, Warrnambool Party Hire, Functions Unlimited, Wyton’s Catering, Russells Creek Football Netball Club and the other contributors for donating their time and effort.

mneal@fairfaxmedia.com.au