ALMOST $1.7 million was raised as the Mildura Base Public Hospital's foundation was launched at the new Larry's Prosciutteria building in Irymple on Saturday night.

A crowd of almost 400 turned out for the historic event, where former Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge was guest speaker, and close to $100,000 was raised in the auction alone.

MBPH chief executive Terry Welch, who was MC on the night, a...