The annual Our Kids Winter Ball was held over the weekend, raising funds to improve the health services for children, by purchasing paediatric equipment.

The black-tie event is always a hit, with the 320-strong crowd bringing together people from all walks of life – doctors, builders, plumbers, business owners, parents, and young people – all there to have a good time.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Batista said the generosity and presence of the crowd made the event a resounding success.

“It's certainly a privilege to be able to hold at such a large community event that gathers people, especially after what we've all gone through,” she said.

“Our community is so generous towards Our Kids, and on behalf of all the families that go through the kids wards, special care nursery, and all the paediatric areas in our hospitals, just thank you to everyone.”

“It's not just the people who came to the event, but even just people who supported us, like the hairdressers, clothes shops, all that stuff that helps us put on the events.”

“It's just been beautiful to be able to not only bring so many people together, but give the opportunity for people to just say ‘hey, how are you going’, and just have a bit of normality and fun in their life after what we've all gone through.”

The Cath Simes Band got the crowd on their feet, and on dance floor playing some classic covers – including a tribute to Tina Turner, with Nutbush City Limits proving to be a crowd favourite.

There was some serious money spent on the incredible auction items which included a corporate box at a Gold Coast Titans home game, a signed soccer ball, a holiday, and a firepit.

Our Kids are finalising the final figure on how much was raised, and will then look to their wish list for which equipment to purchase.

“Until the final comes in, we will then have a look at the wish list and just be able to target that that piece of equipment, and get it back on the wards as soon as possible.”

Our Kids Winter Ball Naming Partner: Morgans Financial Ltd Northern Rivers

Our Kids Winter Ball Gold Partners: Lismore Turf Club, Lismore Jewel Centre, Betta Home Living, Lismore & Goonellabah Party Hire, O’Brien Plumbing and Electrical, Deborah Marks Weddings & Occasions The Garden Florist, Richmond Sand and Gravel, Southern Cross University, Hurford Hardwood, Far North Coast Law Society, North Coast Petroleum, 9NBN, Byron Bay Coffee Company, Lismore City News, ABC Northcoast, Lismore App.

Our Kids Winter Ball Major Partners: Commonwealth Bank, Blacktie Photobooth, Metroll, Nimbin Bakery, Be Seen Eyewear, Bigg Sounds, Northern Air, Paris in the Strand, PJs Fruit and Veg, Sundaze Studio, Football Far North Coast, Kathleen Harding Art Work, George Gooley, The Garden Florist, Mary G's, Ember Byron Bay, Beach Suites, Football Far North Coast, Country Town Digital, Evans Bowling Club, Horns Gas Service, MUKI, Mel's Soy Melting Moments, Stepz Fitness Lismore, Scoops and Candy, Sundaze Studios