“An Evening for Hope” Gala Raises Record $2 Million to Support Expanded Mission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BETHESDA, Md. — May 11, 2023 —The Children’s Inn at NIH raised a new record of $2 million in donations at the 2023 An Evening for Hope Gala, surpassing its goal. The proceeds will enable The Inn to expand its mission to provide a place like home and do even more to care for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. The support will help The Inn during its #INN2025 plan to identify barriers and better serve families. Nearly 500 senior leaders from industry and federal health and civilian agencies came together at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner on April 29, 2023.
“The overall support and participation we receive from the community is what amazes me every year, and this year hitting another milestone just shows the commitment of those who have dedicated their support to NIH and The Inn,” said Todd Pantezzi, 2023 Hope Gala Chair, Children’s Inn Trustee. “The Children’s Inn plays a pivotal role in these families’ lives, and the support we receive is just as meaningful.”
Speakers included NIH Acting Principal Deputy Director Tara Schwetz and NBC News4 anchor Tony Perkins. They were joined by 10th-grader Travis Carpenter who was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and has been visiting The Inn since 2014. During the gala, Travis spoke of the significant impact that The Inn has on their lives. He also thanked supporters, stating “I want to thank all of you for giving generously and from your hearts so that hundreds of children, teens, and young adults with rare serious conditions can enjoy “A Place Like Home” during the difficult times they are going through.”
During the gala, Dr. Schwetz detailed the importance of the partnership between the Inn and NIH. Dr. Schwetz spoke on how over 7,000 types of rare diseases affect an estimated 30 million people, and over one-third of the nearly 1,500 active protocols at NIH include children. Because of the families and children that come to The Inn and NIH, research and breakthroughs are made possible.
“We wouldn’t be able to continue ensuring the health of families and children we serve without this powerful public-private partnership with NIH and the generous support of our community,” said Jennie Lucca, CEO of The Children’s Inn at NIH. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our supporters who have helped us reach this milestone. Your support is going a long way to help break barriers for health research.”
Photos from the gala are available at https://childrensinn.org/event/hope2023/. Follow The Inn on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About The Children’s Inn at NIH
The Children’s Inn at NIH is a private, nonprofit “place like home” for children and their families participating in pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, the world’s premier biomedical research hospital. The Inn reduces the burden of illness through therapeutic, educational, and recreational programming – all at no cost to the families. Since opening in 1990, more than 15,000 families worldwide, and all 50 states, have considered The Inn their home. As a partner in discovery and care with the NIH, The Inn strives for the day when no family endures the heartbreak of a seriously ill child. For more information about The Children’s Inn at NIH, please visit childrensinn.org.
###