With a remarkable outpouring of support from the central Ohio community, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Opening Gala, featuring three-time Grammy award winner, Harry Connick Jr., raised an astounding $3.8 million, directly benefiting research at Nationwide Children’s.
With more than 750 people in attendance, the Opening Gala was the first of three public events planned for the dedication weekend, Saturday, June 9 through Monday, June 11, celebrating the completion of the hospital’s new main campus, the largest pediatric expansion ever undertaken in the United States. The black-tie Gala was completely underwritten by a number of supporters, so that all Gala proceeds will directly benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
“This was truly a night to remember for our city and our patients because of the amazing gift resulting from this incredible event,” said Steve Allen, MD, Nationwide Children’s CEO. ‘We are extremely grateful for the generosity and support of the central Ohio community including the tremendous efforts from our event co-chairs Cindy and Steve Rasmussen, Abigail and Leslie Wexner, and Ann and John Wolfe; their dedication and leadership made this magical night possible.”
“It is an honor to be a part of this unforgettable evening as we celebrate this major milestone in Columbus and in the hospital’s 120-year history,” said Abigail Wexner, board chair of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Gala co-chair. “While we have so much to celebrate this weekend and so much to be thankful for, our work continues and our pursuit for excellence will not rest. Community funding is crucial as we continue to deliver the best possible care and cures to all of our children and families”