Icons from Gordon McLeod and Chuck Harmison to Mat Campbell and Glen Saville will head an all-star cast of past and present stars at the event.

The reunion was in doubt when the Hawks were recently facing financial ruin.

But preparations are in full swing and the life members organising the dinner are desperate to track down as many ex-Hawks as they can.

"It is an impossible task contacting every single person who has been involved with the Hawks over 30 years, so we'd really appreciate the public's help in contacting anyone they know with a link to the Hawks," life member John Trevillion Scott said of the dinner.

A host of former stars have already confirmed their attendance, including Bob Kubbinga, Greg Hubbard, Ray Hannett, Melvin Thomas, Damon Lowery, Craig Adams, Peter Rowsell, Butch Hayes, Luke Doherty, Phil Hamer, Rod and Terry Johnson, Mark and Guy Brandon, Dene McDonald, Axel Dench, Don Bickett and Norman Taylor.

Kubbinga was the Hawks' original captain, while Hannett was the club's first Australian representative when they were known as the Illawarra Hawks.

"Gordie was one of the first players contacted and the first to say he was coming," life member Yvonne White said.

"In a sense Gordie's story was the story of the Hawks in the early years and he inspired a lot of local kids to take up basketball. He was the first Hawk to represent his country at an Olympics and he'll be joined on the night by the Hawks' two most recent Australian reps, Glen Saville and Mat Campbell."

Hawks supporters can join the celebrations on April 19 at WIN Entertainment Centre. Tickets are $60 per head and include a three-course meal.

Former court announcer and WIN Television newsreader Geoff Phillips - also a life member of the Hawks - will be master of ceremonies.

Highlights from the club's 2001 championship season are expected to feature prominently at the event.

"Only the Hawks and the Brisbane Bullets have survived from that first season in 1979, so that gives you an indication of what the club has achieved," life member and former Hawks president Peter Brettell said.

"We've always had to battle hard, as evidenced by the club's latest struggle, but we've survived," he added.

Harmison, another life member and now the NBL's chief executive, believes the reunion is an opportunity to "repay" supporters and sponsors for helping the club survive its recent crisis.

"As life members, we wanted to repay that support by organising a night to celebrate all the great things that the Hawks have brought to the region over three decades," Harmison said.

To make bookings, visit whitey@shoal.net.au or contact Yvonne White on 4285 4400 or 0402 298 397.

Tickets can also be purchased at Tory Hino on the Princes Hwy at Albion Park Rail.