The WVU Medicine Children’s Gala, held Feb. 10 at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, raised $1.45 million to benefit patients and their families.
The WVU Medicine Children’s Gala celebrated its 20th anniversary by raising more than $1.45 million to aid West Virginia children and their families.
More than 1,200 people gathered Saturday (Feb. 10) at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place for the black-tie event, which included a cocktail reception, silent auction, live entertainment, dinner, and more. This year’s theme was “Welcome to the City of Lights.”
All proceeds from the event bolster the mission of WVU Medicine Children’s. Since its inception, the gala has raised approximately $9.95 million to benefit patients, programs, services, and more.
“We are grateful for our dedicated supporters who have made this meaningful event a success for 20 years,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Children's, said. “It was a beautiful night of honoring our compassionate and generous donors. WVU Medicine Children's remains committed to our mission of building healthier futures for our children.”
Entertainer Mario Lopez, who became a household name as A.C. Slater on the 1990s teen series “Saved by the Bell,” served as emcee, and the band Party on the Moon returned to perform live music. Addison Schrock, who was treated at WVU Medicine Children’s for cortical dysplasia, participated in the event as the 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child.
Federico G. Seifarth, M.D., surgeon-in-chief for WVU Medicine Children’s, received the Champion for Children Award, and the WVU Medicine Children’s outreach clinics and telemedicine services staff was recognized for their work to ensure accessible, equitable, and patient-centered healthcare across West Virginia and beyond.
Justin Thompson, CEO of Iron Senergy, received the Community Service Award, which recognized his efforts to nurture hope and healing through philanthropy. His contributions include $1 million to support the Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the new WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital and tickets to allow patients and their families to see Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey in concert.
A total of 90 sponsors contributed to the fundraising total, including top-level sponsors Iron Senergy, the Hayhurst Family, United Sound, Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, CJL Engineering and HED Design, Friends of WVU Hospitals, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Duke’s Mayo, Daniel’s Men’s Store, and WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital.
Rich Harmon and Jeremy Zinn served as co-chairs of the gala, while David A. Rosen, M.D., and the Rosen Family Foundation led the fundraising effort as the presenting sponsors. Dr. Rosen is a pediatric anesthesiologist at WVU Medicine Children’s and professor and vice chair of research for the WVU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology.
“Children are our lifeline to the future,” Rosen said. “Those at a young age are typically innocent victims of their afflictions. As adults, we are responsible for providing them the best chance to survive and thrive. The WVU Medicine Children’s Gala provides a pleasurable way to support the hospital in optimizing their care. I step up to give as an individual to set an example of what one can do for children who have had their lives impacted by the need for medical care."
All gala contributions were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. Visit childrens.wvumedicine.org/giving to make a gift to WVU Medicine Children’s.