The most successful cancer-related fundraising gala in Canada is Montreal's Daffodil Ball.

It has raised more than $28- million for cancer research since it started in 1994.

Bringing in that kind of money takes a special kind of organization, as does preparing for the event which featured everything from a wall of Chinese umbrellas to performers on stilts.

"It's hard to guess when you see such a beautiful event, you attend and everything looks perfect but the number of man hours is huge," said Nathalie Schwartz.

Alison Silcoff works year-round on the ball to make it as extraordinary as possible on a very tight budget.

"We have 200 volunteers who help us set up this gorgeous ball. We couldn't do it at the cost that we do without their help," said Silcoff.

The entry stairs were lined with volunteers greeting the guests in dresses that were also donated

"I'm not rich enough to donate money but I'm willing to donate my time because it's such a good cause," said Jing Wang.

This year a total of $1,052,000 as donated in goods and services, including gifts and prizes as well as the venue, lighting, decor and design.

A team of student volunteers from the Ecole de Formation Pierre-Dupuy were on site before the ball helping the florist create massive table centrepieces, scores of Chinese umbrellas and gold-painted orchid trees incorporating 30,000 daffodils

"One florist couldn't do it alone. You'd need 50 people, so 30-40 of them come for two days and do it absolutely free and for them it's a project it's part of their training and they're thrilled to participate," said Silcoff.

Guests aren't only treated to eye candy.

"We like to spoil our guests from the minute they arrive to the minute they sit down and all throughout their evening,' said Isabelle Le.

That's why Giorgio Armani sponsored makeup touch-ups in the women's restroom throughout the night.

Montreal company Lemay donated custom-designed chopsticks for each guest that each came with a silver chopstick rest.

“We work relentlessly to do everything in our power to get everything donated,” said Le.

Behind the scenes a small army of volunteer raffle-ticket sellers were briefed on how to process donations.

“My volunteers will be selling about $100,000 worth of raffle tickets that will go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society,” said Olivier Forgues.

In order to fuel their efforts there was a behind-the-scenes buffet for all 200 volunteers and workers.

By night’s end they had raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research.