philanthropic fun
by shelby simon
A Vintage Party for Modern Healthcare
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Children’s Hospital fêtes its 60th birthday with a throwback celebration. The theme of this year’s “Sugarplum Ball” was “The Classics,” chosen to commemorate Children’s Hospital’s 60th birthday. The tented venue was decorated in a 1950s theme, complete with a soda shop with soda jerks and a vintageinspired living room. The program was reminiscent of a 1950s issue of TV Guide. Valero St. Charles Refinery was the 2015 honoree. The refinery has supported a wide range of projects that the hospital has undertaken over the past 10 years, and its employees have given countless volunteer hours to hospital events. Marianna Trepagnier and Lisa Happoldt served as Event Co-Chairs. Thrity-two local restaurants served delicious food with a ’50s flair, and Sha’on and the Girls With Success featured songs from the era. A silent auction featured hotel stays, ticket packages to sporting events and antique furniture pieces. A highlight was the jewelry raffle, which included a unique necklace from Valobra Jewelry and Antiques valued at $20,000. This year’s ball hosted 1,000 patrons and raised nearly $300,000 to benefit the Clinical Outcomes Research Center. This is a new initiative that will improve the quality of care offered at the hospital. n
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event at a glance What: 34th annual “Sugarplum Ball presents The Classics,” benefiting Children’s Hospital When: Friday, March 27 Where: 210 State St.
1. Event Co-Chairs Marianna Trepagnier and Lisa Happoldt 2. Chairman of the Board Bill and Gabrielle Mimeles with Sarah and LCMC President Greg Feirn 3. Decoration Co-Chairs Chalon Dominick and Jessica Krinke 4. President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Mary and Dr. Keith Perrin 5. Auction Chair Katie Brandner with Don and Entertainment Chair Sharon Lo Drucker 6. Drs. Costa and Victoria Dimitriades with Dottie and David Haydel
24 | St. Charles Avenue August 2015
photographed by Kenny Martinez