6th Annual Storybook Gala of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Welcomes Guests to Wonderland

BALTIMORE, MD (April 17) - On April 6, a lively and generous community of supporters from around the Baltimore area gathered for a truly “mad” affair - the 6th Annual Storybook Gala, benefiting Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH). Presented by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the “Alice in Wonderland”-themed event welcomed more than 600 guests, including philanthropists, city and state politicians, and health care leaders. The gala raised more than $345,000 in its most successful year to date.

“The 6th Annual Storybook Gala was a great success,” said Sheldon Stein, president and CEO of the hospital. “This year’s gala fundraising effort centered on the expansion of our Rosenberg Outpatient Center. In addition to celebrating Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, the event supported the necessary growth, which will help us meet the needs of thousands more children and their families each year.”

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 gala was chaired by Alison Cohen, Vice President of Priority 1 Automotive Group, which has been a corporate sponsor of the gala for several years.

“The evening was amazingly mad and so much fun for all!” said Cohen. “It was great to see so many new and returning faces, along with the generous sponsors from our community supporting the wonderland that is Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. I am proud to have worked alongside our gala committee and the hospital staff, and thank them so much for their dedication to making the night a smashing success.”

"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 hospital with events throughout the year for patients and their families, which we were proud to show in a video at this year’s gala. Congratulations to Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital on the success of the 6th Annual Storybook Gala."

Many political leaders joined in the celebration, including Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Ex Officio Mayor Jack Young, and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, all of whom shared remarks. Additionally, the gala’s feature video shared the story of a heroic young man who had sustained extreme burns while saving his family from a fire. This patient was treated at MWPH’s inpatient unit and continues to receive outpatient services. After receiving a standing ovation at the gala with his family and caregivers, he shared the stage with the event’s emcees, Andre Hepkins and Ashley Hinson from WBAL, the event’s exclusive media sponsor.

To date, the Storybook Gala has raised nearly $1.6 million, 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. Funds raised specifically in this sixth year will support the expansion of the Rosenberg Outpatient Center, which currently has more than 50,000 visits annually.

The Storybook Gala continues to be supported by a large and energetic group of volunteers - this year totaling more than 40 community and staff members. In addition to the Ruth's Chris presenting sponsorship, the event received additional support from Priority 1 Automotive Group, Lion's Wood Banquet Furniture, M&T Bank, D.F. Dent, Eliasberg Family Foundation, KELLY Benefit Strategies, Len Stoler Automotive, Quotient, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, and others.

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

View photos from the event.

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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.