When Anthony Burke organised the first Dine 4 Charity in 2013, he set out to raise awareness for cancer charities, and give people a fun, affordable night out.
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The event celebrated its fifth year at Cessnock Leagues Club on Saturday night.
The crowd of 160 pushed the five-year attendance total over the 1000 mark.
“To have 1000 people attend Dine 4 Charity in five years is pretty exciting,” Mr Burke said.
“There are people who have been here over and over again.
“It’s been a fantastic thing to be a part of.”
This year’s funds will be distributed between the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (for patient support programs) and the Cancer Council (for prostate cancer and brain cancer awareness initiatives).
Dine 4 Charity led to the establishment of the Hunter Charity Network in 2016.
The dinner and its associated events – including family fun days and psychic nights – have now raised more than $86,000.
“It’s not just about the money, it’s about creating awareness, and having a function in Cessnock that is affordable and everyone can have a good time,” Mr Burke said.
“When people ask us why we do what we do, it’s for the people that can’t get here, who are going through that hardship of their cancer journey.
“As long as I breathe air, we’ll keep doing this.”
The 2017 family fun day will be held towards the end of the year.
Dine 4 Charity 2018 will be held mid next-year after the renovations of the Leagues Club auditorium are complete.
See more photos from the night in the Facebook post below.
