The Alice in Wonderland themed gala event kicked off at 7pm at Warrnambool's Emmanuel Centre.

Ray White Real Estate agent Steve Aberline said about 400 guests had purchased tickets, up from 260 the year before.

He said the funds raised were still being counted, but had already raised last year's total of $24,000.

He said the support from the community had also exceeded last year's efforts.

"Our support, sponsorship and auction have all increased. Just about everything has improved," he said.

"We really put a big focus on making sure the night was perfect last year, as it is this year, so that people keep coming back."

Funds raised will be donated to charity partner Standing Tall.

Mr Aberline said Standing Tall was a worthy cause for this year's charity event.

"Standing Tall goes out to the schools and does a mentor ship program for kids who might be struggling. It has held really well and has about 85 participants now," he said.

"I think it's made a big impact, there's a been a lot of school retention which is great so we are very happy to be supporting these guys this year."

Let's Talk was named as the charity partner for 2020.

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