Funds raised will go towards a new $100,000 project announced on the night for the Perioperative Unit at East Grampians Health Service, which will be named in honour of the late Jason Bond, an Ararat local who had only been a member of Victoria Police for a short time. The police officer in training died as a result of a motor vehicle accident in 2011.

The new project will involve the redesign and refurbishment of the theatre recovery and day procedure areas to improve workflow for the increasing number of day stay patients.

"It is with pleasure tonight that the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and Ararat branch announces that our new fundraising project will honor the memory of Jason Bond through the naming of the Jason Bond Perioperative Unit at East Grampians Health Service," Ararat branch president Terry Weeks said.

"In addition a formal dedication and police memorial for Jason will take place in Ararat on Friday, June 19 at the Alexandra Oval Community and Recreation Centre."

Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation chairman, Bill Noonan congratulated the Ararat branch on the new project at East Grampians Health Service and in particular for taking on a new Victoria Police 'naming' and announced that the Foundation would kick start the project fundraising with a donation of $30,000.

Special guest for the occasion was Minister for Police and Corrections Wade Noonan who in addressing the guests remarked on the outstanding work done by the Foundation in the community and acknowledged the Ararat branch for its fine efforts since 2002 in contributing over $750,000 to the local health service with the support of the local community.

Mr Noonan also acknowledged the work of police officers in keeping communities safe.

Ararat branch president, Terry Weeks then called upon Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner for Western Region, Tess Walsh who reinforced the Minister's comments and thanked all police officers for their day to day work and also for working in partnership with the Foundation and their mission.

Guests were then asked to observe a minute's silence to remember the over 150 Victorian police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

The anticipated gala auction was well supported with buyers happy to dig deep.

Guest auctioneer Nick Gray, the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association's National Young Auctioneer of the Year, pushed item prices to the limit and overall the main auction raised $17,500, while a silent auction and raffle also boosted funds.

Mr Gray's talents really shone out in his first appearance at the Gala Night and everyone will be keen to see how he performs when he fronts up to the World Championships in Canada.

"Every year we are so well supported by our table captains who organise their tables so we have a full house," Mr Weeks said.

"It is also heartening that our sponsors and donors continue to come forward to contribute generously and we are so appreciative of all the community volunteers who get involved in so many ways to help the Ararat Branch members showcase such a fantastic event.

"Everyone's help makes it all worthwhile so we can continue to assist East Grampians Health Service have the best of medical facilities and equipment for all residents in our community and beyond."