Lions spokesman John Mulholland said the results from the recent awards and auction evening had been "overwhelming" to the club.
"It was a fantastic result.
"Much of the money was raised at our auction night so we are extremely grateful for the awesome support we have received from all the sponsors and the generous bidding of everyone on the night.
"It is a great fundraiser for our Lion’s Club, and we are really pleased with how it went.
"It has blown us away, to be honest," Mr Mulholland said.
A statement from the club said the competition was well-supported again with 80 plus crop entries of which the winners were announced at the awards and auction evening.
"This was a fun night which started with an inspiring presentation by Graham Gale on the Rescue Helicopter operation and after a delicious two-course meal, prepared by club members, was followed by an entertaining and enjoyable speech from guest speaker Jane Smith of North Otago," the statement said.
Next was the presentation of the winning crops followed by the auction of many donated goods and services which attracted spirited bidding and humorous banter at the hands of well-known local auctioneer Dennis Mullally.
This year the main recipients would be the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust ($50,000) and the Otago Community Hospice with funds also put aside to help support the local Medical Centre and St Johns to buy specific equipment, the statement said.
The Lions scholarship fund, which was used for local students to attend either Lincoln, Massey or Telford colleges, would also be topped up and funds would also be put aside for other community projects and local causes, it said.
This was the fifth year the competition had been run and club members had put in many hours to organise the event.
Club members planned to continue to make it a biennial event, with the proceeds going to worthy local causes. — Allied Media
