Save the Date: Children's Ball 2027

We offer a variety of sponsorship options, which include tickets/seats to the gala, that range from $5,000 to $150,000+. Individual sponsorship options start at $5,000 (for two seats) and table sponsorship (seating 10) options begin at $25,000. Corporate sponsorship options begin at $15,000. Please review our Ways to Support for more information.

The Internal Revenue Service places specific restrictions on gifts made to charitable organizations via donor-advised funds (DAF) or private family foundations. Children's National Hospital Foundation abides by the following restrictions:

• Sponsorships paid through a DAF or private family foundations are not allowed (as they include goods and services or tangible benefits such as seats, meals, etc.).
• Bifurcation (the “splitting” of payment to pay for the cost of goods and services/benefits separately and the tax-deductible portion paid from the DAF or private family foundation) is not permissible.
• Donations paid through a DAF or private family foundations are allowed (as they are fully tax deductible and do not include goods and services or tangible benefits, which are waived).

For questions, please contact Melanie McCarty, Associate Vice President of Special Events and Stewardship.

Yes! Donations are greatly appreciated and fully tax-deductible. While no seats at the Children's Ball are provided for donations only, donors will receive the recognition benefits for the equivalent sponsorship level in acknowledgment of their generosity.

Due to high demand and the event's limited capacity, individual tickets are not available for purchase. Attendance at the Children's Ball is offered through sponsorship opportunities, which include seating and other benefits. For more information, please visit our Ways to Support page

Many employers will double — or even triple — your gift to Children's National. By confirming your match eligibility, you can maximize your support for pediatric care, research and family services.

You can search for your employer's matching gift policy here. If your company offers a matching gift program, follow the instructions provided to submit the required form and request a match for your contribution.

Each company has a different payout schedule. Some prefer to payout matches monthly while others send disbursements biannually. Please see the company policy for specific disbursement schedules. If the company claims that the match has been sent, please contact our Gift Administration team or call 301-565-8500.

We do not allow support for the Children's Ball to be directed towards specific funds or allocations. All funds raised support patients and families at Children's National through the Fund for Every Child, which gives us the flexibility to address our most urgent needs. The Fund advances promising research, supports innovative treatments and helps ensure every child receives exceptional care.

You will receive a confirmation email from the Special Events team within 48 business hours to confirm receipt and to share additional information specific to your sponsorship and attendance.

Please contact our Gift Administration team or call 301-565-8500.

Yes! The evening includes a live auction and Raise the Paddle, providing guests with opportunities to support patients and families of Children's National. You can also donate online here.

6 pm: Cocktail Reception
7 pm: Main Stage Program
8 pm: Dinner
9:30 pm - Midnight: Live Auction, Entertainment & Dancing

The Children’s Ball is held at The Anthem on The Wharf. You can find directions online.

Please use The Anthem's main entrance on The Wharf. If you arrive via rideshare (Uber or Lyft), please ask your driver to drop you off at the Maine Avenue SW entrance at The Anthem. Then, proceed to The Anthem's main entrance.

Complimentary valet parking is available for all guests at the Blair Alley SW Garage entrance to The Wharf.

Self–parking is very limited at The Wharf. We recommend rideshare service or our complimentary valet parking.

There are no physical tickets for this event. Please check in at the registration desks in The Anthem lobby. You will be asked to provide your name and email address/phone number.

At check-in, we will invite guests to optionally provide a credit card for donations during the program and live auction. Guests will also have the option to pay for their fully tax-deductible donation through stock or a donor-advised fund.

Many employers will double — or even triple — your gift to Children's National. By confirming your match eligibility, you can maximize your support for pediatric care, research and family services.

The Children's Ball is a black-tie affair.

The menu for the Children's Ball is announced closer to the evening and made available for guests upon arrival in their print program. The evening's menu, including the cocktail reception, includes gluten-free and vegetarian options. Guests are asked to provide any dietary restrictions in advance via their sponsor/host.

• Deadline to appear in the Save the Date is October 1, 2026
• Deadline to appear in the invitation is January 11, 2027
• Deadline to appear in the print program and event materials is April 2, 2027
• Deadline for guest names and information due from sponsors for seating is April 2, 2027