The BC Liberal Party is anticipating that tonight's annual fundraiser, the Premier's Dinner, will outstrip even last year's record-breaking event, drawing in more supporters and more money.

"We did it -- this year's Premier's Dinner has raised more money than any fundraiser in the history of this party," said the fundraiser's co-chair Bob Rennie in a press release issued this morning.

While party spokespeople are remaining mum on this year's total so far, the 2012 dinner amassed an estimated $500,000 for the BC Liberals.

Over 1,800 attendees are expected tonight, a slight jump from the 1,750 who attended last year's event.

There's also a higher price tag this year -- at least $50 more per ticket. Tickets for the 2013 dinner started at $400, but a few prime, "inner-circle" tables sold for $10,000.

A trio of local business owners has helmed this year's fundraiser. Rennie, who moonlights as the director of Rennie Marketing Systems, teamed up with Richard Jaffray, the founder of Cactus Restaurants Ltd, and Christine Day, the CEO of lululemon, to co-chair tonight's event.

In the party's press release, Day expresses her optimism that tonight's record sum reflects popular momentum for the BC Liberals. "The success of this event speaks to the support for the Premier and Today's BC Liberals," she said.

The dinner kicks off tonight at the Vancouver Convention Centre at 5:30 p.m., leading up to a speech by Premier Christy Clark.

Allison Griner is completing a practicum at The Tyee. Follow her on Twitter @alligriner.