A Vintage Affair Raises $1.14M for Children’s National Hospital

After a three-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Founders Auxiliary Board successfully returned with its 24^th annual fundraiser, A Vintage Affair, One Enchanted Evening. On March 4, more than 550 guests gathered at the Washington National Cathedral and raised more than $1.14 million to support Children’s National Hospital patients, families and care providers.

 

A grateful parent, Ashley, spoke about her family’s experience of unexpectedly needing care and finding it at Children’s National. Her son, Riley, was 5 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. She credits the hospital team with saving Riley’s life – and supporting his mental and emotional health throughout their care journey.

 

“Dr. Matt saw that he was terrified of getting three dot tattoos to mark where he would receive 21 rounds of proton radiation therapy,” Ashley said. “So, Dr. Matt, got down on his level and said, ‘I’ll show you it’s not that bad,’ and gave himself a tattoo of his own right there.” 

 

Ashley said this was just one of many moments where his care team led with compassion. Riley, now 9, goes back to Children’s National without fear. Instead, he looks forward to reuniting with his friends.

 

Beyond supporting care for patients like Riley, funds raised will also extend care outside the hospital. Guests raised their paddles to contribute more than $94,000 to support a telehealth program focused on expanding behavioral and mental health services in Washington, D.C., public and charter schools.

 

“Our telehealth program allows parents to stay at work and connect to their child’s health visit,” said Dr. Andrea Boudreaux, executive director of Children’s School Services. “It allows us to reach kids where they are -- in schools.”

 

See more about the Founders Auxiliary Board and the sponsors who made this event possible.