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Star Gala inspires $2.14 million in giving to support Children’s Minnesota child and family services program

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (April 24, 2025) — Children’s Minnesota is excited to announce the 33rd annual Star Gala raised $2.14 million to benefit the nonprofit pediatric health system’s child and family services program. Star Gala is regarded as one of the biggest nights of the year for the Twin Cities philanthropic community. This year’s event supported The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota who provide a variety of services and wrap around care for a patient and their whole family, from music and pet therapy programs to financial counseling and interpreter services. “The Children’s Minnesota child and family services program strives to be a trusted resource for patients and families going through incredibly difficult times. The child and family services program is there to answer parents’ questions, calm their fears, and walk alongside them during their healthcare journey,” said Shawna Foss, director of child and family services at Children’s Minnesota. “We are grateful to everyone who supported this year’s Star Gala and to our generous community who supports our organization year-round. The services we provide never show up on a bill, so these donations are critical in allowing us to continue to support our patients and families for years to come.” 

The 33rd annual Star Gala, hosted by KARE 11’s Belinda Jensen, brought business leaders, philanthropists and community members to The Depot in Minneapolis on Saturday, March 22. Previous Star Galas supported life-saving programs at Children’s Minnesota such as neonatology, cancer and blood disorders and neuroscience. Star Gala was made possible by presenting sponsor APi Group with additional support from Target, Ciresi Conlin LLP, Great Clips and UnitedHealth Group. 

About Children’s Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota devoted exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children’s Minnesota offers more than 60 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals, multiple specialty centers and clinics throughout the metro area. The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region. 

Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org.

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