News
9th Storybook Gala Raises Most Funds in Event's History
Funds will benefit area’s most vulnerable children
BALTIMORE, MD (November 20) - On November 4, a lively and gracious group of community supporters from around the Baltimore area gathered for the 9th Annual Storybook Gala. The event, benefiting Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH), raised $447,000 (net)—the most funds raised in the event’s history.
Presented by MCB Real Estate, the “Peter Pan” themed event welcomed nearly 400 guests, including corporate sponsors, healthcare leaders, longtime friends, and those closest to hospital. The funds will support the hospital’s mission to help its young patients be where they belong—home with their family and friends.
“Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital is a magical place where we rely on the science of rehabilitation, innovation, proven medicine, and treatments that promote healing for our patients. Our goal is to help families find their hope – we help children achieve their potential,” said Dr. Scott Klein, President and CEO, MWPH. “The success of this year’s gala celebration proves that Baltimore is home to a broad, dynamic, generous, and caring philanthropic community that understands how important MWPH’s work is to our region. We are indeed grateful.”
The event took place at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre Hotel and included a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, silent auction, raffle, live auction and a special "Fund-A-Wish" appeal. The gala was chaired by Alison Cohen, Vice President of Admiral Leasing and Mt. Washington Pediatric Foundation Board Member.
“The evening was not just visually beautiful, but the energy was so joyful!” said Cohen. “We were thrilled to welcome new partners, as well as familiar supporters, like MCB Real Estate. After serving as chair of this tradition for four years, I am truly proud to have worked alongside this year’s gala committee and hospital staff, and thank them so much for their dedication to making the night a smashing success.”
"I’ve been an active supporter of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital for years," said P. David Bramble, managing partner at MCB Real Estate, LLC. “Serving as a presenting sponsor and honorary co-chair for this important effort is special to me and all of my colleagues at MCB. We are pleased to play a small role in the healing work of MWPH. On behalf of our entire team, congratulations to the gala organizing committee, generous donors, volunteers and the entire Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital team on the success of the 9th Annual Storybook Gala."
Additionally, the gala’s feature video shared the story of toddler Charlotte who survived several respiratory viruses that led to the loss of her four limbs. Charlotte was treated at MWPH’s inpatient unit and continues to receive outpatient services.
To date, the Storybook Gala has raised nearly $3 million, which provides support to ongoing programs and services for children receiving inpatient and outpatient care. The majority of MWPH patients receive Medicaid and these funds will help bridge the gap between insurance and out-of-pocket expenses.
The Storybook Gala continues to be supported by a large and energetic group of volunteers - this year totaling roughly 30 community and staff members. In addition to the MCB Real Estate’s presenting sponsorship, the event received additional support from AssistedRehab, AutoNation, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, DF Dent and Company, Inc., Eliasberg Family Foundation, Inc., The Pakula Family, M&T Bank, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, Verdence Capital Advisors, The Weinman Family, The Klein Family, and others.
The evening concluded with a special thank you from the patients.
View photos from the event, here, using the password ‘MWPHphotos’ to access.
The next Storybook Gala will be held in April 2025.
About Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital has provided more than 100 years of family-focused, coordinated care to children with serious, chronic, or complex medical needs. MWPH was founded in 1922 by Hortense Kahn Eliasberg who sought to open a home where children could safely recover from illness and surgery. Today, the hospital treats over 8,500 patients each year, helping them to heal, grow, and learn the skills that lead to happier, more independent lives. The 102-bed hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine with locations in Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Harford County, via Telehealth, and in the community. For more information, please visit mwph.org.
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