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A staggering $420,000 raised by the final Tauranga Police CIB Luncheon has been given to 18 deserving charities in the Western Bay of Plenty community.

The amount is the highest ever in the event's 20-year history – smashing the previous record of $282,500. The amount takes the total raised to well over $2 million.

Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell gifting $30,000 to Merivale Primary School principal Jan Tinetti for a vehicle for the school.

The funds were distributed at a cheque ceremony at Omanu Surf Club. Founder and organiser Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell says he is amazed by the generosity of the community and the amount of money raised.

He says: 'The amazing giving from what was our final event was absolutely outstanding, and was beyond our wildest dreams.

'Our previous best was last year, raising $282,500 for our community. To then bypass the 300s and raise $420,000 profit was amazing.”

Highlights of the 2014 event included a hand-made quilt sold for an 'outrageous” $26,000, which was then gifted for display at ASB Arena.

Mills Reef wine worth $7500 sold for a whopping $29,000, and a six-month car lease from Farmer Auto Village was gifted to the family of five-year-old Jack Dixon, who was swept out to sea off Mauao at the beginning of October.

'That kind of giving shows how generous our community is, in supporting that family in a time of need,” says Pete.

'That depth of kindness is shown by our most loyal supporters, who have attended most of the 20 luncheons and have spent over $250,000 in total over the years – just incredible giving.”

The Tauranga Police CIB Luncheon team would like to thank its many thousands of supporters from all over the country.

'Without them, this event would not have grown to the level of success that it has enjoyed,” he adds.

'Our trust sincerely wants to acknowledge these many great businesses and people in our community who 'get it', and who contribute to making our community a far better place.

'Together we have all made over $2.4 million of difference for the better. A huge thanks from the team – you know you are.”

Pete also acknowledged Baypark, which has offered 'superb” support for the last 11 years.

He says: 'The management and staff have been great members of our team that has assisted in continuing to grow and provide one of the biggest and best charity luncheons in the country.”

After two decades of managing what has become a massive community fundraising event, Pete is pleased to finish on a high note.

'The time is right to move on,” explains Pete. 'We have achieved magnificent results over the years for the benefit of thousands of local children and young people in our community.”

The following organisations will benefited from the money raised:

St John Building Project Trust - $100,000

Acorn Foundation - $100,000

Decision Reach Out (Toro Mai) Trust - $30,000

Amped4Life - $30,000

Kathleen Kilgour Centre - $30,000

Cystic Fibrosis BOP - $30,000

Merivale School - $30,000

Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services - $30,000

Omanu Surf Lifesaving Club - $10,000

Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club - $10,000

Mt Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club - $10,000

Mt Maunganui Intermediate - $5000

Tauranga Waterpolo Club - $2000

Patient Emergency Toiletry Charitable Trust - $1000

WBOP Air Training Corps - $1000

Matua Scouts - $1000