News
10th Annual Storybook Gala Raises $425K
A portion of funds will benefit families as they prepare to take their children home from the hospital
BALTIMORE, MD (May 28, 2025) - On April 26, a celebratory and generous group of community supporters from around the Baltimore area gathered for the 10th Annual Storybook Gala. The event, benefiting Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH), raised $425,000 (net).
Presented by the Weinman Family (Mandy, Dennis, Dillon and Benjamin), the “Harry Potter” themed event welcomed more than 350 guests, including corporate sponsors, healthcare leaders, longtime friends, and those closest to the hospital. These funds will support the hospital’s mission to help young patients heal and return to where they belong—home with their family and friends.
“At Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, we care for the whole child, including the child’s hopes, dreams, and the well-being of their families. We’re there to help them, and then get out of the way so they can figure it out on their own,” said Dr. Scott Klein, President and CEO, MWPH. “Baltimoreans’ generosity and the city’s amazing philanthropic community is why we are able to do what we do every day, which is helping children with complex needs to heal and grow.”
The event took place at the M&T Bank Exchange in Baltimore and included a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, silent auction, diamond raffle, live auction and a special "Fund-A-Wish" appeal. The gala was chaired by Kate Cohen, longtime volunteer and former patient parent.
“The evening was amazing, and yes—magical!” said Cohen, who will once again chair the event next year. “The support from the caring sponsors, especially the Weinman family, truly warms my heart and says so much about the community’s respect for the hospital’s history and future. I am beyond proud to have worked alongside such a dedicated group of people, our gala committee and hospital staff, who made the night such an incredible success.”
"For a decade, we have been supporters of this incredible institution and the Storybook Gala," said Mandy and Dennis Weinman. “It was an honor to present this milestone celebration and we are pleased to announce our support as presenting sponsor for next year’s event. On behalf of our entire family, congratulations to the gala committee, generous donors, volunteers and the entire Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital team on the success of the 10th Annual Storybook Gala. See you next year!"
Additionally, the gala’s feature video shared the story of toddler Amir Rich who began his journey in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital, where he endured a medically induced coma, advanced life support, and three months of being intubated. Amir was transferred to MWPH where he spent six months receiving intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Today, he continues to receive outpatient services.
To date, the Storybook Gala has raised more than $3.2 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 nearly 30 community and staff members. In addition to the Weinman Family’s presenting sponsorship, the event received additional support from CareFirst, Huffman Family Foundation; Len Stoler Autogroup; Armstrong Dixon Business and Family Advisors; BMW of Bel Air, BMW of Towson, Mini of Towson, and Porsche Hunt Valley; The Cohen Family; D.F. Dent and Company, Inc.; Eliasberg Family Foundation; Johns Hopkins Medicine; Dr. Scott Klein and Family; MCB Real Estate; M&T Bank; Annette Pakula; University of Maryland Medical System; Verdence Capital Advisors; Whiting-Turner; and others.
The evening concluded with a special thank you from the patients.
View photos from the event, here.
The next Storybook Gala will be held on April 25, 2026.
About Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital has provided more than 100 years of family-focused, integrated 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 9,000 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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