The highly-anticipated Telethon Ball raised millions for sick children on Saturday night.

Billionaire philanthropists and influential politicians, including the father of Telethon and Seven West Media chair Kerry Stokes AC and his wife Christine Simpson Stokes, descended on Crown’s Ballroom.

WA Premier Roger Cook and his wife Carly Lane, BHP’s Australian president Geraldine Slattery, Chris Tynan from the Blackstone group and federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton were among the luminaries. Australia’s richest person and reigning Western Australian of the Year, Gina Rinehart, was also in attendance along with senior staff from her sprawling empire.

Red roses and chandeliers were among the decor with live performances from Rhonda Burchmore and Marcia Hines, as guests indulged in a custom Crown menu paired with Gin & Tonic, Strawberry Smash and Macadamia Espresso Martini cocktails.

The high-profile crowd was moved to tears on several occasions as they were reminded of Telethon’s 56-year mission helping sick children across WA. Every dollar raised by Telethon goes directly to kids.

The evening continued into the early hours, concluding with cheeseburgers on the dancefloor.