Jane Slattery was among more than 1000 people supporting the Snowy Hydro SouthCare gala ball on Saturday night and again on Sunday, in her heels, cocktail dress and hat for the encore fund-raiser, Sunday by the lake brunch.

''The ball was amazing, it had a great vibe,'' she said. Sunday's lakeside brunch was also appealing because it was different. ''Any excuse for some champagne and a great party,'' Ms Slattery said.

Eight hundred people attended the ball, about 50 more than the number at the inaugural ball by the lake last year.

The helicopter's major fund-raiser is likely to total at least $100,000 when figures are finalised later this week.

A more casual affair in the same marquee followed on Sunday at Patrick White Lawns near the National Library, attracting 350 advanced bookings and more people dropping by during a sunny afternoon of chatting over champagne flutes and watching a bocce tournament.

Snowy Hydro spokeswoman Kate van Haalen said fund-raising had to keep giving people fresh attractions, while also raising awareness.

''Normally, events are targeted at corporate people, so this is putting it out there for members of the general public to come down and enjoy a lively Sunday by the lake, and they also know that all the funds raised are going to charity,'' she said.

The Bell 412 helicopter, which retrieves injured people, flies search missions and helps fight bushfires, costs $6.5 million a year to stay in the air.

''The difficult thing is there are so many events like this throughout Canberra, and it's harder for people to choose which charities to support,'' Ms van Haalen said.

''That's why we look to put on new and innovative events, to provide guests a different experience. Hopefully, if they have a good time they will continue supporting the helicopter.''

More missions are flown outside the territory, but ACT residents driving on the highways heading to the south coast and to the snow can find they are in need of an emergency airlift.

''Essentially, there is a sense of ownership over the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter in Canberra, which is fantastic, '' Ms van Haalen said.