It was a night the South Okanagan Women In Need Society won't soon forget.

A sold-out gala on Saturday, Nov. 2, led to more than $150,000 raised for SOWINS at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre (PTCC).

Inspiring Hope, the inaugural fundraiser event for the Penticton-based non-profit, featured a live and silent auction, as well as raffle draws.

"This is a night of inspiring hope, and giving women the hope of a better life, a life free of violence and full of love," Marni Adams, fund development advisor at SOWINS, told a packed room at the PTCC.

SOWINS has served women, children, youth, and families facing abuse and violence across the region since 1981. Funds raised on Saturday will go directly to support survivors of domestic abuse.

"The women and children we support come from all walks of life," said Liz Gomes, executive director of SOWINS. "The work we do is hard, but it pales in comparison to what these women face daily."

More than 170 people attended Saturday night's event, which kicked off with a champagne reception and live music inside the PTCC lobby.

Dinner served up by local executive chef Luke Cosgrove would then precede a live auction, where five items helped muster up another $17,300.

Among the items auctioned off include an Okanagan "staycation" and a fishing expedition in northwest B.C.

"Your contributions are more than financial gifts, they're lifelines for these women and their families," Gomes told the sold-out gala crowd.

The night ended on a celebratory note, as the close to 200 in attendance enjoyed music from a local DJ.

Event organizers say tickets for the inaugural gala sold out one month ago.

"Thank you for being here, and for inspiring hope for women and children in your community," Gomes said.