The Hawks raised $30,000 at its 'debt demolition' evening at the Novotel Hotel.

Hawks president Petar Ivetic said the funds would help reduce a record operating loss of $138,000 for the 2008-09 season.

The event was a sell-out with 150 guests that included cricket legends Bob Cowper and Ian Fall.

Cricket Victoria's chief executive Tony Dodemaide and Monash Sport director Martin Doulton were also at the event and comedian Des Dowling provided entertainment.

A highlight of the 20 items up for auction was a stump from the Lord's Test of 1938 Ashes series between Australia and England. It was signed by players including Don Bradman and Denis Compton and sold for almost $4000.

During a question and answer session, Cowper offered advice for young cricketers: "Don't worry about being a specialist bat and having a position. Grab any opportunity you can at the top of the order that looks like the place to impress," he said.

He spoke about meeting Don Bradman after scoring 300.

"I had been dropped because they thought I was not fit. I said to Bradman 'that was pretty good for someone who is not fit'."

Dodemaide praised Ivetic and his committee and said Cricket Victoria realised things had been tough at the club. But it backed Ivetic and his team in their efforts to put things back on track.

"His enthusiasm and the enthusiasm of his committee has been impressive and the whole of the cricket community is watching his efforts with interest," Dodemaide said.

Ivetic said the evening was amazing and funds raised were "well above what anybody could wish for".

"All the hours spent in rebuilding relationships within the general cricketing community and improving the culture is all worthwhile.

"I'm very proud of what the club has achieved in eight months; however, there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done and we will certainly not be resting on our laurels."