Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Friends’ 19th annual Storybook Gala once again set new records for attendance, contributions and support. The event, which took place Nov. 12 at the Connecticut Convention Center, drew 700 attendees and raised over $800,000.
 
“Each year, Connecticut Children’s continues to care for more and more children and families, and we are very pleased that the number of people who support this special event continues to grow as well,” said Donna Hires, Gala Co-chair.

Renowned children’s author and illustrator, Katie Davis, best known for her books “Kindergarten Rocks” “Who Hops” and “I Hate To Go To Bed”, was the featured guest. Donna Hires and Gretchen Lunsford co-chaired this year’s event. WFSB-Channel 3 news anchors Kara Sundlan and Dennis House served as emcees and Jeff Bodeau served as auctioneer for the event which included a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions.

“The generosity demonstrated by those who attended the Gala is greatly appreciated and presents many opportunities for the Friends to make an incredible difference at Connecticut Children’s,” said Gretchen Lunsford, Gala Co-chair. 

Proceeds from the event will provide funds for new equipment, technology and patient, family and staff-related programs at the Medical Center. Gifts to the event’s spotlight program, Bid4Kidz, will benefit Connecticut Children’s heart program with a focus on investing in their Research and Technology Fund. In 2010, the Cardiology Division saw almost 7,500 patients and performed close to 50 heart surgeries.