FOUR years ago Kylie Tame almost lost her son, and during that difficult time, Ronald McDonald House was there to offer her and her family a comfortable place to stay.

It was then Ms Tame decided she wanted to help those who helped her, leading to the organisation of a Ronald McDonald House charity ball.

"This event was four years in the making. Four years ago I almost lost my son, and Ronald McDonald House was there to help us feel at home through that difficult time," she said.

"I told Ronald McDonald House then that I wanted to hold a charity ball in the Whitsundays to raise money for the North and South Queensland Ronald McDonald houses.

"We're doing this for the 41 families in this area alone that use these houses every year. Ronald McDonald houses run almost predominantly on funds donated." About $15,000 was raised from Saturday's ball and is expected to rise with photo sales.

The evening also included a live auction and an online auction, as well as live entertainment from DeeJays School of Dance. Presents were donated for children staying in a Ronald McDonald House.

"I am overjoyed by the amount of presents donated to our wishing tree. On December 4 we will be giving those presents to the children staying at the Townsville

Ronald McDonald house to bring a bit of joy to their Christmas," Ms Tame said.

Chairman of Ronald McDonald House Paul Rissman was also in attendance and commended Ms Tame and the organising committee on their hard work and dedication to the cause.

"I know she's wanted to do it for a long time. It's great for the community and of course our organisation," he said.

Ms Tame said the evening could not have been a success without help from the community, her organising committee and sponsors who donated prizes for the auction.