Over 700 revellers donned Carmen Miranda style headwear and shook their maracas as Rio Carnival inspired entertainment got the crowd dancing to the beat of the samba. Guests also bid on donated auction items including a signed Sir Donald Bradman bat, a luxury Leeuwin escape and a trip for two to Barbados to tour the Mount Gay Rum estate.

The event, which was co-hosted by Dancing with the Stars judge Paul Mercurio, was named one of The West Australian’s top 10 picks of 2007.

Funds raised from the evening will fund a video bronchoscope for the paediatric intensive Care unit. The equipment helps patients breathe with the aid of a ventilator.