Children’s Hospital New Orleans to host 42nd annual Sugarplum Ball for charity

On Saturday, March 23rd, Children's Hospital in New Orleans will host the 42nd annual Sugarplum Ball, entitled "How Sweet It Is." The fundraiser which is presented by LEMOINE, will be set at the River City Ballroom and Plaza at Mardi Gras World.

Co-Chairs Quincy Crawford and Jessica Waguespack will lead more than 100 Host Committee members who seek to raise $1.5 million in support of Children's Hospital - the most in Sugarplum Ball history. Working alongside the 2024 Ball co-chairs, auction chairs Smith Beevers and Marcie Gardner and food chairs Susie Kirchner and Leigh Liles, MD, have helped plan an evening to remember.

Photo byChildrensHospital/GambelPR

The main event begins at 7 pm and will feature entertainment on the Bernhard Dance Stage with 11-piece New Orleans band Blue Rhythm. Guests will enjoy delicious food from more than 30 local restaurants, and signature cocktails and beer provided by Crescent Crown, The Sazerac Company and Goldring Family Foundation, and wine from Republic National Distributing Company. Patrons will also take a chance at the Jelly Bean Jackpot Raffle Pull presented by The McDonnel Group and discover their sweet side with a Candy Bar presented by LSU Health New Orleans’ Department of Pediatrics.

Photo byChildrensHospital/GambelPR

Lucio A. Fragoso, president and CEO of Children's Hospital New Orleans said, "As one of New Orleans' most cherished philanthropic celebrations, Sugarplum Ball highlights the unwavering generosity of our ball patrons and sponsors who have helped raise more than $11.2 million to further Children’s Hospital’s vital mission through the years. As we embark upon the 42nd year of Sugarplum tradition, we know the results will be sweeter than ever in advancing our mission to deliver the highest level of pediatric healthcare for the children of Louisiana, the Gulf South and beyond.”

There will also be a sensational silent auction that features hundreds of items filled with unique artwork, fine jewelry, vacation packages, sports memorabilia and more. Patrons will also enjoy unique themed décor and characters that celebrate “the sweet life” all evening long.

Photo byChildrensHospital/GambelPR

Two exciting raffles take the cake this year. Thanks to the generous support of The Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, the evening will include a $50,000 cash raffle. Tickets are on sale now at chnola.org/cashraffle and will be sold during the ball, while chances remain. The winner of the golden ticket cash prize will be announced on stage at 9:30 pm. Additionally, the hospital is raffling off seven chances to win four suite tickets each to Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour on Saturday, October 26th in New Orleans. Tickets are on sale now at chnola.org/taylor and will continue to be sold during the ball, while chances remain.

All proceeds from the Taylor Swift ticket raffle will help fund a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit at Children’s Hospital. Winners do not need to be present to win.

For more information or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit chnola.org/sugarplum.