More than $70,000 was raised for Central Otago groups at the region's inaugural winter feed competition.
About 220 people packed into the Alexandra District Club for a charity event on Friday to support the first response arm of the Omakau Fire Brigade, the Omakau and Poolburn schools and the Omakau-Earnscleugh Dog Trial Club.
The event was organised by a committee including Rabobank, the dog trial club and both the Omakau and Poolburn home and school committees.
Committee member Jacqueline Manson said the night went ''fantastically'', and more than $70,000 was raised, largely through the auction.
Omakau first response was an ''extremely worthy'' cause and would likely continue to be the main recipient of funds from future events, she said.
Crops were judged in nine categories, including weight, plus criteria such as weed inclusions or bare patches.
It attracted 85 entries from throughout the Manuherikia, Ida and Waikerikeri Valleys, Oturehua, Galloway, Earnscleugh and Fruitlands.
- A North Otago winter crop competition, organised by the Waianakarua and Waiareka Valley Lions clubs, raised $45,500 for the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter Trust. Now in its third year, the competition attracted more than 100 entries.
More than 150 people attended the prizegiving and auction at the Weston Hall on Friday night.
