More than £70,000 will be winging its way to charity following an outstanding evening of fundraising at the fifth annual Croydon Charity Ball.

Held under a giant pavilion on the pitch at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium, the gala event saw 600 suited and booted men and dazzlingly dressed women came together to support charity Croydon Commitment.

The social responsibility which has been involved in the gala black-tie event from its inception, bridges the gap between businesses and the community to identify fundraising opportunities for the benefit of local charities.

More than £25,000 alone was raised during an auction on the night, with one lucky Status Quo fan coming away with a signed guitar for £2,110, and another person splashing out £2,620 on a holiday to Barbados.

A round of golf with pint-sized entertainer Ronnie Corbett went for £900, while a trip to the Nestle chocolate factory was bagged for £400.

Comedian Jo Brand provided laughs on the night during a free appearance.

The Croydon Commitment Trust was named the sole beneficiary of this year’s ball, which brought together business leaders from around the borough the raise money for good causes.

The firm has raised more than £220,000 for charities including the Garwood Foundation, Croydon Mencap and the South East Cancer Centre over the years, and is unique in the UK in being completely financed by corporate partners.

Until March 2011 the charity will be pooling money raised into a trust fund, with every pound credited matched by the Government.

The interest on the scheme from next March will then be donated annually to support people in Croydon.

Croydon Commitment’s next event, the Committed 2010 comedy night, is due to be held at Fairfield Halls on June 14.

Tickets for the night, which will feature Jo Brand, Arthur Smith and Kevin Day among others, are on 020 8688 9291 or by visiting www.fairfield.co.uk.