MINNEAPOLIS – (April 11, 2022) – After a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, generous donors returned for one of the most impactful philanthropic events in the Twin Cities – the Children’s Minnesota Star Gala on Saturday, April 9. The 30th annual Star Gala benefited the Children’s Minnesota neonatology program, which cares for more newborns than any other program in the region.
The event brought business leaders, philanthropists and community members to The Depot in Minneapolis to raise critical funds that will be invested in life-saving resources, wrap-around services for patient families, and cutting-edge neonatal research.
Hosted by Belinda Jensen of KARE 11, the Star Gala offered guests entertainment and inspiring stories from three families who are currently receiving care at one of the Children’s Minnesota Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The evening also featured a special appearance by “The Dude” – who hosts a variety show for kids on Children’s Minnesota’s in-hospital television station, Star Studio – and music by NUNNABOVE, a local sibling music group who also volunteer at Star Studio. The evening included a silent and live auction, dinner and dancing.
To support Children’s Minnesota, visit ChildrensMN.org/give.
“Our program cares for some of the most fragile babies in our entire region, not only through our locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Coon Rapids but through partnerships with other community health care systems to provide care for families closer to home,” Dr. Thomas George, system medical director for neonatology at Children’s Minnesota. “We’re so incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community. The vital funds raised will help us continue to innovate in the field of neonatology and provide highly specialized, family-centered care to the thousands of babies that rely on us every year.”
The Children’s Minnesota neonatology program is a vital resource for families across the region, welcoming more than 3,000 babies every year. With more than 500 medical and surgical specialists and almost 200 neonatal beds, the program is one of the largest neonatal programs in the country.
The program has been a part of some of the most important discoveries in neonatal care, including lifesaving treatments for respiratory illnesses and effective treatments for neonatal brain injury. In close partnership with the Midwest Fetal Care Center, a partnership between Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota, the neonatal program provides life-saving care to newborn babies who are monitored and treated for high-risk conditions before they’re even born.
The Star Gala was made possible by presenting sponsor APi Group, Inc. Other top sponsors at this year’s event include: Warren Family Charitable Fund and Great Clips.
About Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children’s Minnesota is one system serving kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics and seven rehabilitation sites. As The Kids ExpertsTM in our region, Children’s Minnesota is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children’s hospital.
Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org.
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Nick Petersen