The 2024 Sugarplum Ball, presented by Lemoine and themed “How Sweet It Is’, will be held at Mardi Gras World’s River City Ballroom Saturday, March 23
On the evening of Saturday, March 23, friends and supporters of Children’s Hospital New Orleans will celebrate the 42nd annual Sugarplum Ball, entitled How Sweet It Is. The fundraiser, presented by LEMOINE, will be set at the River City Ballroom and Plaza at Mardi Gras World.
Co-Chairs Quincy Crawford and Jessica Waguespack will lead more than 100 Host Committee members who seek to raise $1.5 million in support of Children’s Hospital – the most in Sugarplum Ball history. Working alongside the 2024 Ball co-chairs, auction chairs Smith Beevers and Marcie Gardner and food chairs Susie Kirchner and Leigh Liles, MD, have helped plan an evening to remember.
“As one of New Orleans’ most cherished philanthropic celebrations, Sugarplum Ball highlights the unwavering generosity of our ball patrons and sponsors who have helped raise more than $11.2 million to further Children’s Hospital’s vital mission through the years,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “As we embark upon the 42nd year of Sugarplum tradition, we know the results will be sweeter than ever in advancing our mission to deliver the highest level of pediatric healthcare for the children of Louisiana, the Gulf South and beyond.”
Top sponsors, including LEMOINE, Bernhard, The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, The McDonnel Group, LSU Health New Orleans’ Department of Pediatrics and more, will enjoy a Sundae Soiree VIP party presented by the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation to kick off the evening’s sweet theme, from 6-7 p.m. Cuisine by Ralph Brennan Catering at Cafe NOMA and entertainment by NOLA Dukes Band will get the spectacular evening started.
“As a mom living in New Orleans, I am intimately aware of the important role that Children’s Hospital plays in our community,” said Crawford. “My sons have gone to Children’s Hospital for everything from x-rays to tonsillectomies – and we know many people who have needed Children’s Hospital for serious health issues – in both cases, it’s comforting knowing that there is world-class pediatric healthcare right in our backyard.”
The main event begins at 7 p.m., featuring new entertainment on the Bernhard Dance Stage with 11-piece New Orleans band Blue Rhythm. Guests will enjoy delicious food from more than 30 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 will also take a chance at the Jelly Bean Jackpot Raffle Pull presented by The McDonnel Group and discover their sweet side with a Candy Bar presented by LSU Health New Orleans’ Department of Pediatrics.
A sensational silent auction will feature hundreds of items filled with unique artwork, fine jewelry, vacation packages, sports memorabilia and more. Patrons will also enjoy unique themed décor and characters that celebrate “the sweet life” all evening long.
Two exciting raffles take the cake this year. Thanks to the generous support of The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, the evening will include a $50,000 cash raffle. Tickets are on sale now at chnola.org/cashraffle and will be sold during the ball, while chances remain. The winner of the golden ticket cash prize will be announced on stage at 9:30 p.m. Additionally, the hospital is raffling off seven chances to win four suite tickets each to Taylor Swift ꟾ The Eras Tour Saturday, October 26 in New Orleans. Tickets are on sale now at chnola.org/taylor and will continue to be sold during the ball, while chances remain. All proceeds from the Taylor Swift ticket raffle will help fund a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit at Children’s Hospital. Raffle winners do not need to be present to win.
“As a mother and lifelong New Orleanian, witnessing the steadfast support that our community has for Children’s Hospital is truly humbling,” said Waguespack. “As Children’s Hospital proudly cares for more children than ever before, each dollar raised through events like Sugarplum Ball helps ensure that all children continue to receive the expert and often lifesaving care they need regardless of the family’s ability to pay.”
For more information or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit chnola.org/sugarplum.
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.
