Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Storybook Gala Celebrates Superheroes Among Us
Legato, LLC was proud to contribute to the success of the 2016 Storybook Gala, benefiting the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. We wish a sincere congratulations to the volunteers and MWPH staff on another great event this year!
For immediate release: May 13, 2016
Fundraising increases 40% over previous year
BALTIMORE, MD (May 13) – Baltimore’s philanthropic community gathered last Saturday night for the third annual Storybook Gala, presented by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, to benefit Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH). The superhero-themed event was attended by more than 700 people and raised nearly $265,000 (net), an increase of 41% from 2015 and 140% since the event’s inception.
“We celebrated the superheroes in our community – from the doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital to the patient families, donors and volunteers,” said Sheldon Stein, president and CEO of the hospital. “Their support will help our hospital lead the way for children’s healthcare in Maryland.”
The event was held at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel and included a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, silent auction and a special “Fund-a-Wish” program. The event was chaired by Foundation Board member Lauren Perlin, whose daughter receives therapy services at MWPH and emceed by WBAL-TV reporter Lowell Melser.
“I am so grateful to this generous community and their continued support of the hospital,” said Perlin. “Last year their support allowed the hospital to provide parents with state-of-the-art training in the simulation lab, purchase new equipment for the rehab gym, transform an outdoor space to a patient play area, and so much more.”
Highlights of the Gala included a special appearance by Ravens Defensive Lineman and MWPH supporter Brandon Williams. Three videos were shown including special messages from Billy Bush of Access Hollywood and Josh Charles, actor and Baltimore native, as well as a superhero comic book video featuring Captain Hope. More than 1,600 items of children’s clothing were collected for the MINI for Minis campaign, sponsored by Priority 1 Automotive Group.
The evening concluded with a lively “Fund-a-Wish” appeal that raised nearly $120,000 to support ongoing programs and services for medically complex children. The majority of MWPH patients are on some form of medical assistance and these funds will help bridge the gap between insurance and out-of-pocket expenses.
Now in its third year, the Storybook Gala continues to be supported by a large and energetic group of volunteers – this year totaling more than 60 community and staff members! In addition to Ruth’s Chris presenting sponsorship, the event received additional support from Priority 1 Automotive Group, Quotient, the Roz and Marvin H. Weiner Family Foundation, D.F. Dent, the Eliasberg Family Foundation, Kelly Benefit Strategies, Len Stoler Automotive, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of Maryland Medical System, and others.
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About Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital: Where Children go to Heal and Grow
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital provides family-centered, integrated care to children with serious, chronic or complex medical needs. Since 1922, the hospital has helped children heal from illness and injury, and now treats more than 8,000 patients each year. With locations in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, the 102-bed post-acute hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine. For more information, please visit mwph.org.
