“Imagine our jubilation when he rang back two hours later saying the sponsorship was secure and the four (mine union) lodges would raise the money needed,” Mr Matthews said.

After the Muswellbrook Chronicle ran a story on April 4 that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service fundraiser would not go ahead for its 11th year, there was public outcry.

But the Construc-tion, Forestry, Mining, Energy Union (CFMEU) lodges of Bengalla, Bayswater, Anvil Hill Mangoola, and Drayton have taken up the cause, vowing to pool their resources to make sure the night of nights goes ahead.

“To get a phone call out of the blue from these guys to say the money is right, was great,” Mr Matthews said.

Mr Dever said the other lodges agreed without hesitation.

“In total four CFMEU lodges from surrounding mines had agreed to contribute 25 per cent each of the required funds,” he said.

“It was an awesome show of support from not the mine owners, but the workers themselves that already donate a substantial amount to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.”

The importance for the ball was echoed by Bayswater Lodge representative Stephen Mepham.

“The ball is a big part of the community,” he said.

The 2014 Black Coal Ball will be on May 31 at the Muswellbrook District Workers Club.

Tickets for the Venetian Masquerade themed night are $130 each and can be purchased from the club.