The disability service provider will be able to put more than $20,000 toward its newest cafe training space, which will provide Maitland’s jobseekers with opportunities to find work in the region’s hospitality sector. 

More than 250 guests attended the 2017 event and the vast majority of the funds, more than $18,000 came from the raffle.

Up for grabs were a Don Bradman signed cricket bat (bidding began at $4150), a holiday in Phuket ($7250), seven nights in a Tuscan Villa ($7750) and VIP tickets to the State of Origin ($4850).

Tickets for the annual raffle were also a big earner, but the winner won’t be drawn until the group’s next event – the Mai Wel Celebrity Comedy Debate on August 12.

Over the past six years the Gala Ball has raised more than $130,000 for people with a disability and jobseekers in the Hunter region.

“The first Gala Ball was a celebration of Mai-Wel’s 50 years of operations,” Mai Wel CEO Pennie Kearney said.

“It was a fabulous night, and it raised funds for resources we needed. 

“We were very proud of the wonderful feedback of the value we gave to our guests and they wanted to know, would there be another Gala Ball? 

“Due to the ongoing need for project funding, so began the annual event.”

The final event for the year will be Play-Wel for Mai-Wel 2017 on Thursday, November 16 at Rutherford Indoor Sports Centre.