NSW Police Legacy's annual Blue Ribbon Dinner was held on Friday 25 September, 2009 at Acer Arena, was again a sell-out event which raised over $55,000.00! Guests celebrated one of the best nights out on the police social calendar, with the proceeds of the Dinner contributing to the 2010 NSW Police Legacy Education Grants. Legatee, Ms Laura Marshall, spoke to the Dinner guests about her experiences with Police Legacy and reminded them of the importance of a strong support network for the families of deceased police officers - Legacy's support network includes these Education Grants. In 2008, Legacy awarded over $166,000 of financial assistance to Legatee children enrolled in education institutions from preschool, through to tertiary and apprenticeship courses. It is only with the generosity of the NSW Police force and their friends that Legacy can continue to offer these grants and to help lessen some of the financial pressures on bereaved families.

The Blue Ribbon Dinner was hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Scipione APM, and included a number of honoured such as the NSW Police Minister, the Hon. Michael Daley MP. In his address to the Dinner he spoke from the heart about his experiences with NSW Police Legacy and its Legatees and made a generous donation towards the 2010 NSW Police Legacy Education Grants.

Ms Chris Bath, in her role as Master of Ceremonies again charmed the crowd, despite having to compete with the NRL Parramatta and Eels semi-final! She was assisted by the full NSW Police Band who kept attendees dancing all night. The Band where also accompanied by Legatee Mariel Greenwood Graham and Cassandra Colless and a stunning jazz and soul floorshow by Natalie Grace.

This year generous supporters donated many wonderful items to the cause – with the live auction featuring a day's fishing charter, flights to Vietnam and a kids funbike! For those who preferred a less vocal buy, the silent auction provided a range of exciting purchases - a 10 kilogram bar of chocolate, accommodation packages, day visits to various Police Units, sporting memorabilia and NSW Police Force collector's items to name just a few. Guests quickly snapped up the mystery star prizes and took away a keepsake photo of the night.

All prizes and auction items on the night were donated to NSW Police Legacy by numerous businesses and private individuals from across NSW, who wanted to show their support for members of the NSW Police Force and their families. It was their generosity which contributed greatly to such an exciting night out and a fundraising success! We thank our supporters PANSW, the Police Credit Union and Acer Arena for their support and assistance throughout the year. Major sponsors of the Blue Ribbon Dinner included Staging Connections, Casella, Fosters, Vietnam Airlines, Yamaha, BigFish, Emirates Airlines and Mounties.