The 2014 Children's Ball on April 11 was one of the most successful charity events ever in Washington, DC -- raising $10,734,300 to support pediatric care and research. The star-studded evening featured a surprise performance by Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, a dinner created and prepared by Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Matsuhisa, an
exciting live auction, and an after-hours dance party.
“More than ever before, this year’s Ball reflects a truly global vision and partnership to improve the health of children in the United States and around the world,” said Kurt D. Newman, MD, president and CEO of Children’s National. “This unprecedented level of support will enable us to provide the best possible care and develop new therapies and cures for childhood diseases. We are grateful to our co-chairs and our generous sponsors for making the 2014 Children’s Ball such a historic success.”
The event was chaired by His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the U.S., his wife Abeer, and Amy and Bret Baier, anchor of “Special Report with Bret Baier” on Fox News Channel. Both couples have children who have been treated at Children’s National. (Read "
Fox News's Bret Baier Teams Up with UAE Ambassador to Support Children's National Medical Center" in the Washington Post.)
“There are few other international relationships more important to the UAE than our deep and continuing partnership with Children’s National,” said Ambassador Al Otaiba. “The ground-breaking research at Children’s National is improving care for children from around the world. We are grateful for all of the sponsors who came together to support this important mission.
Bret Baier added, "Amy and I were proud to partner with the Ambassador and Abeer on this special event for a cause that we care deeply about. The funds raised through the Children’s Ball will help children like ours, and will impact the health of children in the Washington area and around the world.”
View photos from the event.
Select Media Coverage
“Fox News’s Bret Baier and UAE Ambasador Team Up for Children’s National Medical Center,” The Washington Post, April 11, 2014
"Party Diary: Children’s National Ball Raises $10.7 Million for Hospital,” The Reliable Source, The Washington Post, April 12, 2014
“Children’s Ball Dream Turns to $10.7M Reality: Black Tie Benefit Boasts Performance by Jennifer Hudson, Menu by Wolfgang Puck and Nobu,” Revamp.com, April 14, 2014
“Children Inspire One of DC’s Most Successful Charity Events to Date,” K Street Magazine, April 14, 2014
“Children’s Ball Raises Nearly $10.8 Million,” The Daily Bret blog, April 14, 2014
“Children’s National Raises a Record-Breaking $10.7 Million at the 8th Annual Children’s Ball,” Pamela’s Punch, April 14, 2014
“Where Does a Celebrity Chef Have Lunch in DC?” Reliable Source, The Washington Post, April 14, 2013
“Fashion for Paws and Children’s Ball!” Bisnow: The Scene, April 14, 2014
“The Mom Bond: Two Friend Learn the Meaning of Being There,” Washingtonian Mom
"Charity Spotlight: Fundraiser for Children's National Medical Center," Nobu Magazine, April 2014
“UAE Ambassador Helps Raise Record Sum for Children’s Hospital," The National (UAE), April 14, 2014
“The Story of Two Families and a Global Partnership,” Etihad in Flight magazine, April 2014
“How Zayed’s Legacy Gives New Home to Sick Children,” The National (UAE), April 9, 2014
"Etihad at Children's National: Dream a Little Dream," J. David Buerk photography blog, April 15, 2014