Children’s Ball - Children’s National Hospital Black-Tie Gala
The 2024 Children’s Ball was a night to remember, filled with love, laughter, and boundless generosity. Over 850 guests gathered at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., where the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. With performances by Vanessa Williams and The American Pops Orchestra, led by the talented Luke Frazier, the gala was a symphony of joy and hope.
But the true stars of the evening were the courageous children like thirteen-year-old Mason, who graced the stage with a soul-stirring saxophone performance. With gratitude, he thanked his dedicated care team at Children’s National, whose unwavering support has been his beacon of strength through every step of his journey.
“We used to say we were lucky to go to Children’s National with all this expertise right here in our community,” Mara said. “But it wasn’t luck. It’s the supporters who invested in facilities, world-class experts and research for cures and therapies. Instead of lucky, we are grateful.”
Chairs Mara Glaser McCahan and Daniel McCahan shared their family's heartfelt story of how care near their home enabled their son Declan to overcome brain cancer, underscoring the transformative impact of expert care close to home. They described, “We used to say we were lucky to go to Children’s National with all this expertise right here in our community,” Mara said. “But it wasn’t luck. It’s the supporters who invested in facilities, world-class experts and research for cures and therapies. Instead of lucky, we are grateful.”Their words resonated deeply, reminding us all of the power of community and compassion.
In a moment of profound recognition, the Foundation honored Jennifer and Dan Gilbert with the Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Prize in Philanthropy for their visionary generosity in advancing neurofibromatosis research. Their unwavering commitment to "thinking bigger" serves as a beacon of hope for children and families facing similar challenges.
Together, guests raised over $3 million to support the hospital’s Fund for Every Child, ensuring that every patient receives the exceptional care they deserve. The 2024 Children’s Ball was more than just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of hope, healing, and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.