PHUKET partied hard last night and raised enough money for the Phuket International Women's Club to pay for 20 new scholarships for underprivileged students.

More than 220 people turned out for the club's 3000 baht-a-head 20th birthday party at the Le Meridien Phuket resort on Saturday night and dug deep for the kids as they kicked on until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Many came in fancy dress for the '70s themed night which included a sumptuous three-course buffet meal, an open bar, raffles with some amazing prizes, and an auction of some much-sought-after collectors' pieces, including a limited-edition Picasso print which sold for an impressive 95,000 baht.

One bidder whose last-minute 100,000 baht bid for the Picasso came in a second too late, donated the 100,000 baht anyway, even though he walked away empty-handed.

The bash began just after 6.30pm and the Rhythm Box Machine band were still pumping out the '70s dance music until well past the bewitching hour.

Club president Sue Arnulphy said the large amount of money raised on the night would be enough to cover the costs of about 20 study scholarships for underprivileged children.

In the 20 years since it was first formed, the PIWC has sponsored a total of 572 cash-strapped kids, putting them through a range of school and university courses.

About 400 students have since graduated with degrees in fields such as dentistry, medicine, law, accounting, IT and tourism, and are now working in well-paying jobs in the community.

Many of the graduates and students turned up to help out last night for their unexpected chance of a better life.

For information about the PIWC, visit www.phuketiwc.com