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Thirty years ago, Children’s Hospital’s fundraiser, the Sugarplum Ball, helped the organization put its first intensive transport care team on the road in tandem with the opening of its Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. This year, in a grand anniversary celebration, the annual gala helped raise funds for its own medical transport helicopter, allowing staff to race to gravely ill children who need emergency care. The Sugarplum Ball, “Fund-racing at the Sugarplum Stakes” – a horse racing theme – was held at the New Orleans Fair Grounds on April 1.

Co-chairs were Julie Habetz and Amanda Lo. Guests were treated to libations and cuisine from various local restaurants and they witnessed honoree David Haydel St. fêted for his generous donations to the hospital over
the years.

Children’s Hospital is a 247-bed, nonprofit medical center that offers the most advanced pediatric care for children from birth to 21 years of age. With more than 40 pediatric specialties and nearly 400 physicians, it is the only full-service hospital exclusively for children in Louisiana and in the Gulf South.