This year’s events – which also included a psychic night and family fun day – have raised about $25,000 for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and Cancer Council NSW.

And to top it all off, an exciting announcement was made on Saturday night regarding the establishment of the Hunter Charity Network Incorporated.

The HCNI will be run by a board of local volunteers, allowing 100 per cent of its profits to go to charities or people in need.

Founder Anthony Burke said the network will formalise the work Dine 4 Charity has done for the past three years.

“Incorporating it will allow it to grow, and make it a brand in its own right,” he said.

Mr Burke said HCNI will partner with charities to designate funds, and also provide support, information and contacts for people with a range of illnesses – not just cancer.

“People can come to us, and we can help raise the funds, or put them in contact with the right people,” he said.

Applications will be assessed by the board, and an interview process will follow.

Dine 4 Charity started in March 2013 when Mr Burke and his friend Jo O’Malley decided to skydive in honour of family and friends battling cancer.

Since then, almost $70,000 has been raised through the annual dinners and associated events.

Weston resident Mandy Huber had her hair shaved at the 2016 dinner, which contributed $2400 to the fundraising total.

This year’s funds will be distributed to the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation for support for local patients, and Cancer Council NSW for two projects – a Hunter-wide prostate cancer awareness program, and a brain tumour information website – both of which will go live in August.

Mr Burke said the generosity of the community continues to amaze him and he hopes the HCNI will be as warmly embraced.

Expressions of interest for 2017 beneficiaries can be made by emailing huntercharitynetwork@gmail.com.

For more information, go to hcni.com.au.