Knights and Coal & Allied kick goals for Rescue Helicopter ball

The Newcastle Knights and Coal & Allied are teaming up to raise money for the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service.

The annual Black Coal Ball last year raised $20,000 to support the Rescue Helicopter Service's rescue and retrieval services throughout the Hunter Valley.

This year, Community Alliance partners Coal & Allied and the Knights, both also partners of the rescue service, are hoping their donations to the evening's charity auction will help organisers beat last year's total.

A corporate box at a Knights home game, including $500 in catering, and a pit tour at Bengalla Mine, will be up for grabs.

Jen Bowcock, Community Relations Specialist for Coal & Allied, hopes the donations will draw the biggest bids on the night.

"People who don't work in the mining industry rarely get the chance to see a mining operation up close," Ms Bowcock said.

"The highest bidder for the tour of our Bengalla Mine will get a chance to see in action our heavy machinery including haul trucks, excavators and dozers as well as our dragline.

"It will be an experience the winner will never forget, and the money raised goes to a wonderful cause."

Newcastle Knights CEO, Steve Burraston said the club recently entered into another three year agreement to retain the Westpac Rescue Helicopter as the club's Major Charity Partner and expects the corporate box auction to attract healthy interest.

"A box at the footy usually averages between $2,000 and $4,000 when the helicopter is involved, and given the generosity of the people of the Upper Hunter, I expect it to reach the higher end of the scale," he said.

"Our players are first to put their hand up when it comes to helping the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and we are extremely proud to have an exclusive major Charity Partnership with one of our region's most vital services."

The Black Coal Ball will be held on Saturday 19 July at the Muswellbrook Workers Club.

Tickets are available from the club for $100 each.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:
Nathan Scholz
07 3361 4354 / 0417 613 174

Media Release - Knights and Coal & Allied kick goals for Rescue Helicopter ball [PDF: 40 KB]