The Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust fundraiser held in Lawrence recently has exceeded expectations by raising more than $48,000.
Lawrence volunteer fireman Bill Bazley said the Night With the Stars fundraiser was organised by the Lawrence volunteer fire service and St John because the service the Otago Rescue Helicopter provided was vital to the Lawrence community.
Mr Bazley was thrilled with the amount raised.
"We don't know the exact figure yet because the money is still coming in, but it could be close to $50,000," he said.
A similar event held two years ago raised about $30,000.
Otago Rescue Helicopter pilot Graeme Gale and trust officials would arrive in Lawrence on July 2 to accept the donation from the community, Mr Bazley said.
