Organisers said that, with a greater number of guests and fundraising activities at the event, funds raised were up 70% from last year’s Gala Ball.

Greeted by fire breathing contortionists and stilt walking entertainers, guests were wined, dined and entertained as the Maitland Town Hall was transformed by the ball’s “Night Circus” theme.

The sold-out event was also the christening for the newly renovated Maitland Town Hall, which opened officially last week. 

The funds raised will be allocated to Creative Arts program at Mai-Wel which is run from the new Hub facility on High Street.

The program is designed to provide all-inclusive art and performance opportunities for local people with disability or disadvantage.

Facilitator of creative arts Steve Burchill thanked the community for the support, adding that the funds would help Mai Wel continue to provide a program that opens up a myriad of pathways for participants.

“Artists are able to generate incomes, career pathways, exposures, portfolios with Mai Wel as the agent,” he said.

“We cover everything from art to music, theatre and dance with the program.”

Mr Burchill said artwork created by artists who use the program, including Shae Pittman, Sally Thompson and Melissa McLennan, raised almost $3000 through an auction on the night.

Mai-Wel CEO Pennie Kearney said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. 

“We couldn’t have achieved such a huge result without the generosity and hard work from our communications and events team, our fabulous volunteers and our giving sponsors,” she said.

“It was terrific to see all of the guests having such a great time and all for such an important cause.”

Tickets for Mai-Wel’s Annual Raffle are still available to purchase at maiwel.com.au or any Beyond Bank branch in the Hunter region. 

Mai Wel thanked event sponsors; Gecko Security, Imagine Now I.T., Tony Cant Real Estate, Heritage Motor Group, The Sign Shop and Soper Smash Repairs together with the many local businesses who supported the event.