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An event propelled by “community spirit” has raised funds for the life-saving service.
On 9 March, First National Real Estate Port Stephens hosted the Chopper Ball at the Shoal Bay Country Club, the brainchild of principal Rebecca Dean.
Dean cited the previous Chopper Balls as events in her childhood that “always used to bring our whole community together”, with this recollection spurring her to revive the idea as a chance for Port Stephens locals to not only enjoy the night together as a community, but give back to the invaluable Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“Last year, it occurred to me that we really should be doing them again and, gradually, we managed to pull this entire event together,” she remarked.
The 1930s Great Gatsby theme was styled after the titular millionaire’s lavish parties, with Dean stating the purpose of the night was to invoke the excitement and community connection she remembered so well growing up locally.
Entertainment included live music by Richard Jones, and a series of live and silent auctions headed by auctioneer Gavan Reynolds.
The event was deemed an abject impossibility “without the generosity of so many within our community”, according to Dean, and one that was so important to “raise much-needed funds to support a vital service saving lives in our region every year”.
“So many small businesses jumped onboard without a second thought, offering donations, raffles and prizes, that we were overwhelmed by the community spirit generated,” she stated.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and its team of acro-medical personnel provides life-saving support services to the 1.5 million people who call northern NSW home.
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