Children’s Hospital Raises Record-Breaking $1 Million Through Its 40th Annual Sugarplum Ball, Presented by Lemoine

The 2022 Sugarplum Ball, held on Saturday, March 19, and themed ‘The Emerald City’, raised funds in support of the hospital’s vital mission to provide expert pediatric healthcare to all children.

NEW ORLEANS – A remarkable $1 million dollars was raised for Children’s Hospital New Orleans through the hospital’s 40th annual Sugarplum Ball presented by LEMOINE, and Co-Chaired by Sarah Feirn and Marye Nickens. The Co-Chairs led a group of more than 100 committee members in executing the beloved fundraiser, which raised the most funds in the history of the event.

After a year of postponing this milestone anniversary due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1,000 Children’s Hospital supporters and friends traveled down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City on Saturday, March 19.

“The continued generosity of our Sugarplum Ball sponsors and patrons has made a lasting impact for our hospital and the patients and families we serve,” said Children’s Hospital President and CEO John R. Nickens IV . “It was extraordinary to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the ball after two years of managing through the COVID-19 pandemic. And we welcomed the ball back with record-breaking funds raised thanks to our hard-working Co-Chairs, and steadfast community of supporters.”

The spectacular event, held at Mardi Gras World’s River City Ballroom, was filled with the enchantment of The Emerald City, including food from some of the city’s best restaurants, a sensational silent auction, and musical entertainment by KARMA. Captivating décor and characters brought the fantasy Land of Oz to life as guests traveled to the elegant Emerald City.

To get the evening started, top sponsors, including Lemoine, Bernhard, The McDonnel Group, First Horizon, Lillibridge, LSU Health New Orleans Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, the Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, and others enjoyed Dorothy’s VIP Party from 6 – 7 pm, with cuisine by Ralph Brennan Catering and Events and entertainment by NOLA Dukes Band.

The event featured an expansive silent auction filled with unique artwork, fine jewelry, vacation packages, sports memorabilia, and much more, which raised more than $83,000 the evening of the ball. Additionally, a luxury car raffle, made possible by Ray Brandt Auto Group, was introduced at the ball and is expected to raise $100,000 for the hospital. A winner will be drawn on May 11 at 5 pm, and raffle tickets are still available at www.chnola.org/sugarplum.

“Proceeds raised through Sugarplum Ball help Children’s Hospital expand vital programs and services,” said Sarah Feirn, 2022 Sugarplum Ball Co-Chair. “With the support of our generous sponsors and patrons, the hospital will continue to invest in technology, recruit top pediatric providers, and fund life-saving programs. It is humbling to see the unwavering support that our community has for Children’s Hospital.”

For more information, or to donate, please visit www.chnola.org/sugarplum.