The donation tins are ready, the cameras are poised and the celebrities are waiting as the countdown for the 46th annual Telethon begins.
The West Australian tradition, which has raised over a staggering $154 million since 1968, kicks off from 6pm on Saturday, October 25 at the Perth Convention Centre.
Telethon is the most successful, per capita, fundraising event in the world.
BHP Billiton announced on Friday it had pledged $20 million over the next five years to the charity, with the first four million on the boards to kick off the donation marathon on Saturday.
Telethon will run continuously for 26 hours with stars from around the country donating their time.
Reality television stars Justice Crew as well as The Collective and Perth's own recently eliminated X-Factor contestant Reigan Derry to keep audiences entertained throughout the weekend.
Telethon Kid's Institute director Professor Jonathon Carapetis said he briefed the stars on what to expect when they stepped on stage to perform or read out donations.
Professor Carapetis, who came on board three years ago, described the huge fundraiser as an "absolute lifeline" for the iconic institute founded by Fiona Stanley and hoped to leave his own legacy.
"If it wasn't for Telethon we [the Telethon Kids' Institute] wouldn't be here."
