2025 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Child Jackson Pauley and his family with emcee Taye Diggs.
The 21st annual WVU Medicine Children’s Gala raised more than $1.65 million to continue to provide world-class care to West Virginia and the surrounding region.
Approximately 1,300 people filled the Morgantown Mariott at Waterfront Place on Saturday (Feb. 22) to go “Into the Jungle” for the formal event. The evening included a cocktail reception, silent auction, live entertainment, and more.
All proceeds from the event support a new Children’s Outpatient Clinic being constructed on the 10th floor of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. The project will build out new clinical space for existing services, including Medical Weight Management, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pulmonology, Sleep Disorders, Plastic Surgery, Trauma, and Surgery and their associated multidisciplinary clinics and procedure spaces.
“Our dedicated supporters have truly made a difference in the lives of our kids and families at WVU Medicine Children’s,” 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 wonderful to honor our team and see our generous donors who have become part of our WVU Medicine Children’s family. It’s because of them that we can continue our mission to build healthier futures for our children."
Award-winning actor, producer, and Broadway star Taye Diggs, who is best known for his roles in “Rent” and “Private Practice”, served as the emcee. Inspired by his visit to WVU Medicine Children’s, Diggs also gave a $50,000 donation to the hospital.
“What a beautiful evening we had celebrating WVU Medicine Children’s,” Diggs said. “It was my honor to be a small part of supporting this extraordinary mission. I was so impacted by meeting all the patients and their families. They are the true heroes.”
Party on the Moon returned once again to this year’s Gala to perform live music.
Jackson Pauley was named the 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child. He was treated at WVU Medicine Children’s after an epileptic seizure caused him to nearly drown at a local pool.
Nicholas Mains, D.O., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.P., pediatric hospitalist, received the WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital Award for his dedication to the entire Health System and commitment to caring for both pediatric and adult patients.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. was recognized with the Community Service Award for its contributions to fundraising for WVU Medicine Children’s. In 2019, Nexstar stations across West Virginia joined together for a Mediathon to share the mission of the hospital. Since then, the event has raised more than $6 million for the hospital’s greatest needs.
A total of 87 sponsors contributed to the evening’s fundraising, including top-level sponsors Hope Gas, Iron Senergy, the Hayhurst Family, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Trilogy Innovative IT Solutions, Infinity Electric & Service Co., Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, MedBridge, CJL Engineering and HED Design, Friends of WVU Hospitals, PJ Dick, and Daniel’s Men’s Store.
Vicky Hostetler served as chair of the gala, while David A. Rosen, M.D., and the Rosen Family Foundation led the fundraising efforts as the presenting sponsor. 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.
“I have dedicated my career for more than 30 years to improving the lives of children who need the care we provide at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital,” Rosen said. “Ongoing growth and development of programs is essential to ensure we can meet the needs of our children and their families. That is why I continue to contribute to make this possible. Like a tree, we need to grow to flourish.”
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.