A Historic Evening For Hope Gala

It was a momentous evening at An Evening for Hope, an annual gala benefitting The Children’s Inn, which raised over $1,000,000 for the first time in the event’s history. The sold-out gala brought together 800 Inn supporters, including NIH leadership, federal technology and health care industry leaders, and corporate partners to The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner for food, drinks, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment.

Inn children and families had a strong presence at the event as Farrah Mackenzie, 12, along with her father Andy, spoke to guests about the challenges of living with a life-threatening illness. At two years old, Farrah experienced health complications involving her lungs and was diagnosed with a primary immune deficiency disorder. While staying at The Inn, she underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at the NIH.

“I have made a bunch of friends at The Inn,” Farrah said. “If it were not for the NIH, I might not have a new immune system. And if it were not for The Children’s Inn, I couldn’t have come to the NIH, so I feel really lucky to have found both!” Read more about Farrah’s journey.

Donning a superhero cape, Inn resident Jordan Larocco, 7, mingled with attendees and helped sell raffle tickets on behalf of The Inn. His story and video were also featured at the event.

News anchor Tony Perkins, FOX 5 News, emceed the evening, and guests enjoyed live entertainment by musical talent and “The Voice” contestant Brandon Showell during the after-party.

The Inn would like to recognize top-tier sponsors NETE, Booz Allen Hamilton, GDIT and Leidos for their support of the event.

See more photos from the Gala here.