The 2025 Telethon Ball, Perth’s most coveted black-tie affair, once again confirmed its status as the crown jewel of Western Australia’s philanthropic and social calendar, raising a record breaking $21.4 million for the State’s most vulnerable children.

As guests made their way past a sea of champagne into the transformed ballroom — reimagined as a glamorous floral affair — the tone for the evening was clear: this was about more than glitz, this was about impact.

And impact it certainly had.

The guest list read like a who’s who of Australian business, politics, and entertainment, with some of the country’s most influential figures gathered for the landmark event.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and his wife Rachel Schutze were among the first to arrive, followed closely by Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes and his wife Christine Simpson Stokes, who have remained central figures in Telethon’s evolution over decades.

They were joined by WA’s philanthropic elite — former governor Malcolm McCusker and wife Tonya, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation chair Elizabeth Perron, Warburton Group chair Tim Roberts, and Audi Centre Perth managing director Bronte Howson and his wife Colleen.

Premier Roger Cook and his wife Carly Lane, Reece Whitby and his wife Natalie, and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti were also at the annual ball, highlighting just how central Telethon remains to the State’s identity.

Across the black carpet, industry powerhouses made their entrances — from BHP’s Tim Day and Woodside Energy’s Meg O’Neill to Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson.

And while the attendees were first-class, so too was the style.

Alesha Pemberton, wife of NRW Holdings CEO Jules, was the belle of the ball in a custom couture Alvin by Meraki gown, while Roma Brooks, the wife of Doug Brooks, also made a statement in a custom pink and black masterpiece by the same designer.

The evening changed its tune when everyone took their seats and the formalities gave way to celebration, with live performances, acrobats and stilt walkers welcoming guests in style.

Casey Donovan brought the house down with her powerhouse vocals, delivering a passionate performance that had revellers hanging on every note.

Ronan Keating injected energy into the ballroom, getting even the most reserved guests up and dancing with his hit top hit, When You Say Nothing At All.

But behind the entertainment lay the true heartbeat of the evening — and it began with a powerful address by Channel 7 Telethon Trust chair Richard Goyder, who reminded guests why they were there: to change the lives of sick children across the State.

“As you enjoy this special evening, please remember that your support is making a tangible difference to children and families across WA, and the impact will be felt for yesrs to come” Mr Goyder said.

“These children are not only confronting profound medical challenges, but they are also confronting them with inspiring strength. They are not just patients. They are fighters, advocates, and symbols of what is possible when a community comes together to care.”

It was an emotional precursor to one of the most moving moments of the night — mother Tracey Newman sharing the story of her teenager Isabelle Rigby.

Born at just 24 weeks, Isabelle weighed just 695 grams. For 175 days, she clung to life — breathing via a tracheostomy, undergoing complex airway reconstruction, and ultimately requiring a heart and double lung transplant, becoming the first child in WA to ever receive such surgery.

Now a successful sprinter with big dreams, Isabelle is a living example of the difference Telethon can make.

“I can pretty much do everything I wasn’t able to do, like sport, I can finally live a normal life,” Isabelle said.

Crown Perth’s culinary team delivered a menu worthy of the occasion. Highlights included black angus beef carpaccio, yuzu cured salmon, and butter poached WA rock lobster — all capped off with dark chocolate petit gateau, paired with bespoke cocktails by Rainfall Distillery.

The event’s main MC, Seven’s own Ryan Daniels, kept the energy high throughout the night, with two other local favourites, Tina Altieri and Charlotte Goodlet, ably assisting.

Daniels took control of the live auction after the annual ballroom roasting where he ribbed everyone from the Deputy Prime Minister to former Mr Telethon Basil Zempilas.

Among the most fiercely contested auction items of the night was a 1kg gold bar, generously donated by Northern Star Resources, which fetched $480,000 and was taken home by Margaret Watroba.

Once the much-wanted gold bar sold Northern Star Resources revealed they would contribute another 1kg gold bar to the busy auction. The second gold bar sold for $520,000 to Warburton Group founder Tim Roberts.

An exclusive 10-day cruise through the Kimberley on a new luxury Paspaley yacht for two sold for $60,000 to Grant Bailey — who asked if he could pay $120,000 for four people to indulge on the cruise.

Paspaley chief executive James Paspaley gladly obliged.

Another standout item — an exclusive dinner for 10 guests with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago AC — was sold for $100,000, to Mr and Mrs Pemberton, who scored a rare evening of political conversation paired with some of Australia’s finest wine.

Billionaire James Packer, the only son of larger-than-life media mogul Kerry Packer, made a $1 million donation despite not being in the room on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, a silent auction offered up money-can’t-buy experiences — including the chance to appear on Home and Away, which will see one lucky bidder make their TV debut.

But beyond the luxury prizes, it was the direct investments in medical innovation that brought the mission of the night into sharp focus.

Another transformative purchase was the $76,000 specialised neonatal equipment package — including axilla thermometers, warming cocoons, neohelp suits and resuscitation masks — designed to support babies born in regional or remote areas where urgent hospital access may not be available.

Such purchases are promises: commitments to care, research and a future where WA children will have access to the very best medical support.

With a record 161 beneficiary organisations set to receive funding from this year’s Telethon, the ripple effect from Saturday night will touch thousands of lives.

As the final tally climbed and the night came to a close, the $21.4 million total smashed last years $16.7 million out of the park.

The 2025 Telethon Ball was a jaw-dropping display of what can happen when the community comes together to build a better future for children.