Children's Ball Hits a High Note, Raises $3 Million for Kids

The 2019 Children’s Ball raised more than $3 million to support patients and families at Children’s National through world-class care and cutting-edge research. More than 800 guests attended the 13th annual event, held April 13 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

See photos from the 2019 Children’s Ball.

Celebrating his 11th year as emcee, Bret Baier made a special “rock star” entrance to Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine,” complete with pyrotechnics, D'Angelico Premier DC guitar, Guns N’ Roses leather jacket and 80s rocker hair. The jacket and guitar were later auctioned off to support the hospital. Bret and his wife Amy, who were recognized with the Children’s Advocacy Award in 2018, were Presenting Sponsors of this year’s Ball.

Guests were treated to a special performance by Grammy-award winner Patti Austin, who was a close friend of the late Joe Robert Jr., a long-time supporter and advocate for children and Children’s National.

The Joseph E. Robert Jr. Prize in Philanthropy was awarded at this year’s Ball to Carrie and David Marriott for their leadership, generosity and longstanding commitment to supporting Children’s National and the families we serve.

“Whether we are ensuring that every child is treated regardless of their ability to pay, helping support research and innovation through new technologies to reduce kids’ pain and help them recover more quickly, or holding the hand of someone we love when their child is struggling, all of these moments are what make being part of the Children’s National family remarkable and inspiring,” said Carrie Marriott when accepting the award.

More than $300,000 was raised over the course of the evening through a live auction and raise the paddle. Every dollar raised goes directly to helping kids like 1-year old Evie, whose story was shared in a moving video at the Ball.

Watch Evie's story.

Bret Baier also joined Dr. Kurt Newman, president and CEO of Children’s National, in sharing the news of a $30 million gift from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support the new Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus.

“We are so excited about this amazing gift and what it will mean to children and families,” said Dr. Newman. “Our continuing partnership with the UAE builds on our shared belief that healthy children create healthy societies and a healthy future for us all.”

Interested in sponsoring a future Children's National event? Please contact Jen Fleming via email or call 301-565-8530 for more information.