Love was definitely in the air at the 2017 Sweet ChariTea earlier this month as hundreds of Canberrans transformed into their favourite Disney character and came together to raise much-needed funds for The Canberra Hospital's paediatrics ward (PaTCH).
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But this year's event ramped the love up a notch, with Canberra couple Alyssa and Luke getting engaged live at the high tea in front of 240 guests, including Maleficent, Moana and Minnie Mouse.
![A stunning fashion parade - featuring Rockstars & Royalty dresses and Minnie Mouse ears - was just one way organisers raised more than $27,000. Photo: Tony & Dave Cosplay Photography A stunning fashion parade - featuring Rockstars & Royalty dresses and Minnie Mouse ears - was just one way organisers raised more than $27,000. Photo: Tony & Dave Cosplay Photography](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/c476fff6-3693-469c-8b9e-92e4db1599b6/r0_0_2000_1333_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
It was just one highlight of a five-hour event that raised more than $27,000 for a new sensory therapeutic garden in the children at risk unit.
Sweet ChariTea started in 2013 as a simple afternoon high tea fundraiser. Today, it's a themed event that sees Canberrans go "all out" in decorations, costumes and, of course, generosity. In four years, Sweet ChariTea has raised more than $100,000 for the paediatrics ward.
![Canberra couple Alyssa and Luke got engaged live on stage. Photo: Tony & Dave Cosplay Photography Canberra couple Alyssa and Luke got engaged live on stage. Photo: Tony & Dave Cosplay Photography](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/875486d5-4c40-44f1-aa27-b28c282f84fe/r0_0_2000_1334_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Event organiser Kartika Medcraft described the 2017 event as "the best one yet".
"It was a roaring success - the Disney tables were styled beautifully, lots of wonderful local businesses donated and we had a major donation of $10,000 from The Green Shed," she said.
If you missed the event but would like contribute raising funds, head to www.facebook.com/sweetcharitea where you can buy a 2018 calendar starring some of the most precious Disney characters you ever did see.