Root out your brightest dress and boldest red lipstick, because this year's CMRF Gala Ball has a very special theme.

TV3's Karen Koster was all smiles yesterday as she launched the 2016 CMRF event – a Mad Hatter's Ball, taking place on March 5 at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Dublin.

As well as being a great (and uber-glam) night out, proceeds from ticket sales and other activities on the night will all go toward the provision of extremely valuable resources at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.

This year the aim is to raise in excess of €175,000 for The No. 10 Fund, a fundraising initiative established by Irish rugby stars Johnny Sexton and Ronan O’Gara late last year. The main aim of the fund is to help build a new cardiac day unit at the hospital, something which is expected to cost in the region of €750,000.

As well as buying a ticket, there will be plenty of ways for attendees at the ball to show their support, including a Diamond Raffle to win a €5,000 voucher for Cullen & Co jewellers, a Silent Auction via text for some seriously luxurious prizes, a raffle at each table and a Live Auction.

Karen, who is currently pregnant with her second child, says becoming a mum has highlighted the importance of this cause to her in a huge way.

"Since becoming a mum to Finn last year, and now with another baby on the way next month, I truly appreciate the work that CMRF Crumlin do on behalf of sick children in Ireland," she explained.

Tickets for the CMRF Crumlin Mad Hatter’s Fundraiser Ball are €175 per person, and are available online, by contacting Bebhinn O'Toole on 01 7096224 or by emailing botoole@cmrf.org.

More information on the event and the great cause it supports can be found on the CMRF Crumlin website.