The men sweated and the ladies perspired in near 40-degree heat but not one of the 500-strong crowd wanted to be anywhere else the night they rallied in Aberdeen to raise funds for injured footballer Alex McKinnon.

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Part of the All For Alex team (l-r) former NRL player and comedian Matthew Johns; NRL coach Wayne Bennett; and broadcaster and commentator Ray Hadley, who turned out to bolster Aberdeen's fundraiser on Saturday, November 22, 2014.

Broadcaster Ray Hadley lunged into the role of Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer, parting supporters from thousands in cash and making them smile as they did so.

Legendary NRL coach Wayne Bennett took the stage at St Joseph’s High School, festooned with 1000 balloons and red and black ribbons, giving a keynote address that moved the audience to tears.

NRL coach Wayne Bennett addressed the 500-strong audience at Alex McKinnon's fundraiser, speaking affectionately of the young man's capacity and why so many have been willing to support Alex in his rehabilitation.

“Alex was born a rugby league child and he’s been around change rooms since he was a little boy.

“He grew up with men in his life and it just gives a whole new perspective of balance and respect and care and Alex has a lot of friends because he cares about a lot of people,” Mr Bennett said.

Alex McKinnon's father, Scott, in a reflective mood as he hears compliments about his son from league coaching legend, Wayne Bennett.

Those friends came from near and far, including NRL Ambassador and former Rabbitoh, Rhys Wesser; NRL Newcastle Knight, Tyler Randell; Australian professional rugby league coach and former player, Michael Hagan; and former Dragons and Knights player, Marc Glanville.

Behind the glitz was an engine room of volunteers and local supporters. Rugby league clubs from Muswellbrook, Singleton, Aberdeen, Merriwa, Scone and Denman were there with a committee that had been working since April to make the night happen.

Ray Hadley, broadcaster by day and auctioneer by night, separated the crowd from its cash in record time as money flowed in to help the injured Newcastle Knights player.

Principal of St Joseph’s High School, John Tobin, described the event as one that had unified the Upper Hunter behind a remarkable young man.

“It’s our opportunity as a community to give back to Alex and to show him that we love him and we’re fully behind his rehabilitation,” Mr Tobin said.

Principal of St Joseph's High School, John Tobin, whose school hosted the fundraiser for Alex McKinnon.

Sold! Ray Hadley calls it, a member of the audience displays the item and Principal of St Joseph's High School, John Tobin, keeps a watchful eye on the fast-paced bidding.

Former Rabbitoh and NRL Ambassador, Rhys Wesser, lends a helping hand by holding aloft one of the many signed and framed pieces of sport memorabilia.

Cooling down outside are mates Kurt Dial, Muswellbrook; Josh Clift, Aberdeen; and Jason Brooks, Moonan Flat.

Ray Hadley (front right) with Marc Glanville, Michael Hagan and Matthew Johns.

Steve Reynolds, Muswellbrook and Scone-born Tyler Randell who now plays with the NRL Newcastle Knights.

"Soundies" Stuart Ahearn (left) and Shane Delforce, from Muswellbrook Amateur Theatrical Society, spent nearly four days getting the venue broadcast-ready.

Footy players gather for Alex McKinnon (l-r) Brady Benkovic, 2nd Row, Muswellbrook Rams; Rhys Wesser, former Queensland State of Origin fullback and NRL Ambassador; Cade Boney, Fullback, Muswellbrook Rams; Karl Shearman, Lock, Aberdeen Tigers; and Heath Collins, Lock, Muswellbrook Rams.

Alisha Brown, from St Joseph’s High School, has just finished the HSC but gave her time to entertain the audience in support of Alex McKinnon, a former student at the school.

The girls put on their finery for the Alex fundraiser (l-r) Cheryl Collins, Aberdeen; Celia Gavin, Scone; and Joan Shaw, Scone.

Vikki Lambley, from Aberdeen, in one of the many beautiful frocks on display at the Aberdeen All For Alex event.

Steve Lambley, Aberdeen; Troy Dixon, Aberdeen; and Barry Dixon, Forster catch up at the fundraiser.

NRL coach, Wayne Bennett, takes an opportunity to chat to one of the guests.

Trying to catch a breeze outside the marquee (l-r) Leigh Mitchell, Aberdeen; Eddie Gardener, Aberdeen Tigers; Jim Diggins, Aberdeen Tigers; and Christine Parker, Merewhether.

Kimberley and Darren Knight, from Dudley near Newcastle, travelled to Aberdeen to attend the Alex McKinnon fundraiser.

Couples come together for Alex (l-r) Andrew and Belinda Souter, Scone; Cameron Turner and Melissa Harris, Millbrodale near Bulga; and Tori and Chris Souter, from Muswellbrook.

Warren and Ros Smiles from Newcastle.

Student volunteers Samantha Smith, Taylen Cornish and James Collins make another dash to get meals to guests.

Aberdeen All For Alex Committee member, Peter Emery, with Cristal Foot, from Muswellbrook.

After formalities were over, the dance floor was the place to be with the crowd enjoying another set from Chris Coleman and James Whiting

The exhausted catering team from The Hunted Gourmet who prepared nearly 500 meals (l-r) Ben Harrington, Sydney; Dale Warburton, Sydney;.”Merv” McRobert, Aberdeen; Bernard Levy, Gundy; and Jo Marden, Murrurundi.

A big cold thirst was the order of the day in the heatwave temperatures on Saturday evening. Bar staff were run off their feet.

Tearing hundreds of raffle tickets ahead of the draw (l-r) Linda O’Bryan, Aberdeen; Darby Partridge, Aberdeen; and Danny Buckman.

Volunteers Julie Osborn, from Muswellbrook, (left) and Victoria Ryan, also from Muswellbrook, who spent almost the entire evening at the ticket sales and raffle table.

A quiet embrace between Alex McKinnon's grandmother, Ruby Finn, and his mother, Kate, during the fundraising event.

Aberdeen All For Alex Committee member, Lyn Buckman, was one of the ‘go betweens’ and ‘calculator queens’ as the cash rolled in.

A fleet of buses brought the crowd to the fundraiser. Two of the drivers, Tom Galvin (left) and Ross Anlezark, enjoyed themselves despite being “designated drivers”

Baristas Vickie and Stephen Asara, from Caffe Mobilita, serving guest Jonathon Clift.

Matthew Johns in conversation at the fundraiser.

Chris Coleman (left) and James Whiting throwing themselves into another set.

A view of the marquee from the stage shortly before guests started rolling in.

Matthew Johns (far right) found it hard not to laugh when Ray Hadley (left) brought back memories of Johns' Reg Reagan character. Michael Hagan and Marc Glanville were also amused.

Students Angela Smith (side on), Tegan Hardcastle and Lachlan Phelps hard at work in the “engine room”.

Ray Hadley in conversation with Aberdeen's Darby Partridge.

Scott McKinnon, Alex’ father; John Tobin, principal of St Joseph’s High School; Fiona Wilton, Committee member; Mark Wilton, Committee member; and Kate McKinnon, Alex’ mother being presented with a gift at evening's end.