In Maroondah, the Ringwood Football Club helped by doing what they do best - playing football.

On March 29, the club held a bushfire appeal football match at Jubilee Park between the Eastern Football League allstars and the Victorian Football Association all-stars to raise money for the Victorian Country Football League and Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League's respective bushfire relief funds.

About 4000 people attended the match and almost $50,000 was raised on the day through donations at the gate, catering, raffles and other fund-raising activities.

For its efforts, the Ringwood Football Club has been awarded the 2010 Maroondah Community Event of the Year.

President Gary Phillips said the club was very proud to be recognised for its help during the bushfires.

"It's recognition for a job well done by the numerous people connected with the football club who volunteered their time not only on the day but also in the lead-up to the event.

"Whilst the RFC is not the biggest or most successful club in the EFL, and has struggled on and off the field recently, [this award] is a tremendous boost to morale for all connected to the club and would be a first for any club in this league.

"Quite often the only news your hear relating to football clubs is bad.

"But winning an award of this nature sends a message to the broader community that football clubs do play a positive role within the community."