The 17 year-old is currently at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne with his family after sustaining an injury while swimming in the Edward River in early October.
The event drew a wide cross-section of locals, united by a shared purpose and a strong sense of community spirit.
With an estimated 500 people showing out, and with great weather, it looked to be a successful night.
Boat Club Commodore Craig Druitt described the evening as “just a terrific fundraiser,” noting the overwhelming support from across Deniliquin.
“A lot of his mates got involved, as well as others in the community,” he said.
“There was whip cracking, singing from the high school students, the two football teams coming together - it was all across the community.”
Boat Club secretary Deb Macknight was moved by the turnout, saying the amount of support was “amazing”.
To help generate funding, there were auctions and prize wheels.
A big ticket item was Ben’s Rovers jumper, with another being the two Deni Ute Muster corporate tickets.
While the fundraising from the tally is still being collated, and is not expected to be publicly announced for privacy reasons, Rovers president John Glowry said the amount raised far exceeded expectations.
He said it was testament to the generosity and unity of the Deniliquin community.
If you would like to support Ben Hayes and his family, a GoFundMe has been set up at www.gofundme.com/f/h5e322-help-ben-get-back-on-his-feet.
19°C