Sugar Plum Ball

Event Date: March 29, 2025 |

Manning’s Children’s Hospital Celebrates 70 Years

New Orleans was abuzz on Saturday, March 29th, as friends and supporters of Manning’s Children’s Hospital gathered for the 43rd annual Sugar Plum Ball. This year’s black-tie affair, presented by LEMOINE and themed “Beneath a Sapphire Sky,” held special significance as it commemorated the hospital’s 70th anniversary of providing expert pediatric care to the region.

The Sugar Plum Ball is the premier fundraising event for Manning’s Children’s Hospital, and this year proved to be a resounding success, raising an extraordinary $1.6 million. These vital funds will directly support the hospital’s mission to provide the highest level of medical care to every child, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

Co-Chairs Marcie Gardner and Holt Kolb, leading a dedicated Host Committee of over 100 members, orchestrated an unforgettable evening at Mardi Gras World. The venue was transformed with elegant, sapphire-inspired décor, creating a magical ambiance for the 1,600 attendees. The event also benefited from the hard work of Auction Chairs Annie Gonzalez and Dorian Stone, and Food Chairs Meg Baldwin and Mary Martin Roth, who curated exceptional experiences for the guests.

The evening featured a memorable silent auction with hundreds of coveted items, including unique artwork, fine jewelry, luxurious vacation packages, and a one-of-a-kind football signed by three generations of the Manning family. Adding to the excitement was the $50,000 Lucky Stars Cash Raffle, presented by The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation.

A highlight of the night was the presence of Archie and Cooper Manning, representing the Manning family, who were recognized for their family’s transformational partnership with the hospital, which was officially renamed Manning Family Children’s Hospital earlier this year. Governor Billy Nungesser also joined the celebration, presenting the hospital with an official state proclamation honoring its 70-year legacy and new chapter.

Guests enjoyed delectable cuisine from numerous local restaurants and danced the night away to the lively sounds of the 11-piece band Blue Rhythm on the Bernhard Stage. A particularly moving moment occurred when 11-year-old Ryder, a former patient who spent 145 days in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, took the stage for a special singing performance, showcasing the profound impact of the hospital’s care.

The 2025 Sugar Plum Ball not only celebrated a significant milestone for Manning’s Children’s Hospital but also underscored the unwavering generosity of the New Orleans community. The funds raised will be instrumental in advancing the hospital’s mission to provide comprehensive and specialized pediatric care for children across Louisiana, the Gulf South, and beyond, ensuring that every child has access to the extraordinary care they deserve, right here at home.

More photos from this event click -> HERE