5th Annual Storybook Gala of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital is Wildly Successful

$1.25 Million (net) Raised in Five Years

BALTIMORE, MD (May 30) - A wild rumpus occurred in Baltimore on May 12, as the city's philanthropic community gathered for the 5^th annual Storybook Gala benefiting Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH). Presented by Ruth's Chris Steak House, the "Where the Wild Things Are"-themed event welcomed more than 650 guests for a singular soiree. In five years, the gala has raised $1.25 million (net) for the hospital which provides care to children in Maryland and beyond.

"We're so proud to have celebrated our 5^th Annual Storybook Gala," said Sheldon Stein, president and CEO of the hospital. "The generosity of our sponsors and attendees will help our hospital continue its evolution as a leader in providing children's health care in Maryland."

The event took place at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel and included a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, silent auction, raffle, live auction and a special "Fund-A-Wish" appeal. The event was chaired by Heather Hoffman, whose son received services at MWPH.

"This was such an amazing evening, and it was wonderful to see the Baltimore community's support for this special hospital," said Hoffman. "It was a true honor to serve as gala chair, and I'm incredibly grateful to the gala committee, hospital staff, event sponsors and others who came together to create this wild and magical event."

"The Ruth's Chris team is extremely proud to have served again as presenting sponsor of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital's annual Gala," said Jim Mitich, president and COO of Big Steaks Management. "Our restaurants have also supported the important work of the hospital staff with events throughout the year for patients and their families. Congratulations to Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital on the success of the 5th Annual Storybook Gala."

The evening kicked off with a surprise performance from the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School step team. The school has a relationship with MWPH through a work study program. Two patients were featured in the Gala's feature video - a toddler who became a gunshot victim and a young boy adapting to his type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Hundreds of books were also collected for the Priority 1 Automotive Group Book Drive.

Fundraising for this 5^th gala was $315,000 (net), which will provide support to ongoing programs and services for children receiving inpatient and outpatient care. The majority of MWPH patients receive Medicaid and these funds will help bridge the gap between insurance and out-of-pocket expenses.

The Storybook Gala continues to be supported by a large and energetic group of volunteers - this year totaling more than 30 community and staff members. In addition to Ruth's Chris presenting sponsorship, the event received additional support from Priority 1 Automotive Group, Quotient, Lion's Wood Banquet Furniture, M&T Bank, D.F. Dent, Eliasberg Family Foundation, KELLY Benefit Strategies, Len Stoler Automotive, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, and others.

The evening ended with a special thank you from the patients.

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About Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital: Where Children go to Heal and Grow

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital provides family-focused, integrated care to children with serious, chronic or complex medical needs. Since 1922, the hospital has helped children heal from illness and injury, and now treats nearly 9,000 patients each year. The 102-bed hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of The University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine and has locations in Baltimore City, Prince George's County and in the community.