The 42nd Annual Sugarplum Ball, presented by LEMOINE, raises a record-breaking $2.35M

More than 1,500 patrons and guests attended the 2024 Sugarplum Ball, held at Mardi Gras World’s River City Ballroom, on Saturday, March 23.

NEW ORLEANS – On the evening of Saturday, March 23, 2024, friends and supporters of Children’s Hospital New Orleans celebrated the 42nd annual Sugarplum Ball, themed How Sweet It Is. The signature fundraiser, presented by LEMOINE, was set at the River City Ballroom and Plaza at Mardi Gras World, and raised a record-breaking $2.35M in support of the hospital’s vital mission.

Co-Chairs Quincy Crawford and Jessica Waguespack led more than 100 Host Committee members whose hard work and dedication helped raised the most funds in the ball’s history. Working alongside the 2024 Ball Co-Chairs, Auction Chairs Smith Beevers and Marcie Gardner and Food Chairs Susie Kirchner and Leigh Liles, MD, helped plan an evening to remember.

“Since 1981, Sugarplum Ball has helped Children’s Hospital raise the funds necessary to ensure we can deliver on our mission,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “The record-breaking results of this year’s ball will make an extraordinary impact on our ability to deliver expert pediatric care for all children, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.”

Top sponsors, including LEMOINE, Bernhard, The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, The McDonnel Group, LSU Health New Orleans’ Department of Pediatrics, and more, enjoyed a Sundae Soiree VIP party presented by the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation to kick off the evening’s sweet theme. Guests enjoyed cuisine provided by Ralph Brennan Catering at Cafe NOMA and entertainment by NOLA Dukes Band to get the spectacular evening started.

The main event featured entertainment on the Bernhard Dance Stage from 11-piece New Orleans band Blue Rhythm, and unique themed décor and characters to celebrate “the sweet life” all evening long. Guests enjoyed delicious food from 42 local restaurants, and signature cocktails and beer provided by Crescent Crown, The Sazerac Company and Goldring Family Foundation, and wine from Republic National Distributing Company. Patrons also took a chance at the Jelly Bean Jackpot Raffle Pull presented by The McDonnel Group, and discovered their sweet side with a Cotton Candy Bar presented by LSU Health New Orleans’ Department of Pediatrics.

"As mothers and New Orleanians, witnessing the steadfast support that our community has for Children’s Hospital is truly humbling," said 2024 Co-Chairs Quincy Crawford and Jessica Waguespack. "Every dollar that we raised together is dedicated to improving the health of kids across Louisiana, and we are grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of support and generosity through this year’s Sugarplum Ball.”

A sensational silent auction, featuring hundreds of items filled with unique artwork, fine jewelry, vacation packages, sports memorabilia and more, raised more than $152,000. Finally, two exciting raffles were the “cherry on top” in this year’s fundraising efforts. Thanks to the generous support of The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, a $50,000 cash raffle raised more than $82,000 and was raffled off to one lucky winner live during the ball.

With a second, unprecedented raffle, the hospital selected seven winners of four suite tickets each to Taylor Swift ꟾ The Eras Tour on Saturday, October 26 in New Orleans. All proceeds from the Taylor Swift ticket raffle, which totaled more than $600,000, are helping to fund a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit at Children’s Hospital.

“There are so many to thank for making our 42^nd Annual Sugarplum Ball the most successful to date,” said Kristen Robinson, Senior Director of Marketing and Development for Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “The results that we achieved together will be put to work immediately in helping Children’s continue to provide lifesaving and life-changing care for children from across the region, and we are incredibly grateful.”

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About Children’s Hospital New Orleans

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, delivered just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Children’s offers a comprehensive array of pediatric healthcare services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, the hospital operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Diamondhead, MS. Children’s offers primary care services at 14 convenient locations and remotely via its Virtual Care for Kids program. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at chnola.org.