NOBLESVILLE — A victim’s assistance group’s weekend fundraiser took in a record $91,880, nearly $29,000 more than last year’s event.

Prevail’s eighth annual Reds, Whites&Blues’ live and silent auctions raised $27,040; sponsorships and ticket sales brought in $42,000; and a 50/50 raffle made $1,840.

But what put the total $21,000 over the top was a plea at the three-hour wine tasting and blue music in Carmel. Organizers asked the 450 guests to reach into their pockets to raise $10,000 more so Noblesville-based Prevail could receive a matching grant from Legacy Fund, an affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

“We asked our guests to go over and above their sponsorships and what they bought in the live and silent auctions,” Loretta Moore, Prevail’s executive director, said.

“I know that the economy is tough, but with 450 people in a room, and they understand how important our mission is, and they understand the important work with the families. … When people understand what you do, to help change a community and the future, they’ll get behind you.”

Moore said the request generated $11,000 in cash, checks and credit cards.

“That’s amazingly awesome,” she said.

The 2008 gala raised $63,000.