ARARAT - More than 250 people danced the night away to the sounds of Wilbur Wilde and his band the Troubleshooters at the 13th annual Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch Gala Night of Nights, a fitting end to a day of celebrations for the branch which saw the dedication of a new CT scanner at East Grampians Health Service which it helped fund.
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The evening began in a respectful mood with Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation chairperson Bill Noonan giving an outline of the work of the foundation and thanking major sponsors and Assistant Commissioner of Victoria Police Robert Hill leading a minute's silence to remember those police who have fallen in the line of duty, however, it soon swung into action when Wilbur Wilde and his band hit the stage, with the 250 strong crowd filling the dance floor for most of the night.
This year's auction was one of the most entertaining yet, with celebrity auctioneer Phil de Fegely keeping everyone on their toes and nervous about scratching their noses.
The auction brought in around $18,300 and the Gala Night of Nights is expected to raise around $30,000 for the Blue Ribbon Foundation's next project for East Grampians Health Service, which will be announced in the near future.
Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat branch president Terry Weeks thanked all those who attended and supported the Gala Night of Nights.
"I would like to thank all our supporters and sponsors who enable us to raise much needed funds for East Grampians Health Service, which has included our most recent contribution of $150,000 towards a new CT scanner at the hospital," Mr Weeks said.
"An entertaining auction and the inclusion of Wilbur Wilde and his band this year meant the night was enjoyed by all who attended."