Annual Miracles Gala raises record $3.83 million for seriously ill children and their families

Over 500 people attended the 17th Annual Night of Miracles, and over 200 silent and live auction items were bid for more miracles!

17th Annual Night of Miracles

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — More than 500 people attended the October 8 miracles for children Gala Night of Miracles presented by Xponential Fitness, raising over $3.8 million (with donations pending from generous away supporters). One hundred percent of proceeds will go to expanding programs that support a growing list of more than 350 low-income families with children battling life-threatening illnesses and conditions.

“We are truly moved by the generosity of our sponsors and guests, who together have helped us raise nearly $4 million for critically ill children and their families in need,” shares Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids. “Our deepest gratitude goes to all who have helped make miracles possible for those we serve.”

Anthony Geisler, Founder/CEO of Xponential Fitness, Inc. and Presenting Sponsor of the Night of Miracles Gala, commended the Miracles team for their continued work in bridging the gaps for families with seriously ill children. “We are honored to be a presenting sponsor again and to welcome new sponsors, including Northern Trust,” said Geisler. “It is impressive to hear the stories of perseverance from these families whose children are struggling with a serious illness. We are proud to support this organization and its mission to provide long-term stability solutions to low-income families with critically ill children.

Michele Havens, Western Region Chair, Northern Trust, said sponsorship of the gala is part of Northern Trust’s aim to improve the health care and lives of children in the communities it serves. dessert. “Northern Trust is proud to do its part to support Miracles for Kids and their invaluable help to families in times of need,” she said.

This year, the organization’s flagship event was on the theme of the “masquerade”. Participants each received a handmade rhinestone mask and a personalized candle, highlighting the fear, anxiety, stress and depression hidden beneath the surface of those who struggle.

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Attendees were able to bid on over 200 silent auction items and nine exclusive high-value live auction items. The live auction raised $333,000 and included two adorable female Cavapoo puppies ($12,000 and $13,000 each); a luxury charter in Spain for up to 10 people on a multi-million dollar ($50,000) yacht night; a stay for up to 10 people at Casa Afrique, a luxury beachfront villa in Punta Mita, MX (sold twice for $50,000 each); Round-trip airfare in newly refurbished G550 to any Western destination ($70,000); and a Marvel VIP Red Carpet Film Premiere Experience for 2-2 premieres ($18,000/$11,000).

The silent auction opened five days before the gala and raised $179,850 with more than 200 items in the Dining & Getaways, Fine Wines & Spirits, Sports & Entertainment, and Beauty & Novelty categories. Key elements included a tequila tasting with Mark Sanchez at Monarch Bay Beach Club; a 3-night stay for up to 26 people at “Vaquero” Private Estate and Vineyard in Temecula; a 7-night stay for up to 8 people in a 3-bedroom villa in Punta Mita, MX; Sine Qua Non Magnum 2015 set; and Christmas Day NFL Fun for 4: LA Rams vs. Denver Broncos.

Supporters in the room also donated $1.48 million directly to support the mission, including a matching donation of $1.25 million by a longtime donor. Congratulations to longtime supporters Eric and Joan Davidson, on receiving the prestigious 2022 Miracle Maker Award. The award recognizes a donor or donors each year who personify Miracles’ mission to work miracles for critically ill children and their families. The Davidsons are longtime Miracles supporters, donors and volunteers. Stephanie Morfitt, LCSW, was named a Children’s Champion for her work in launching the organization’s original mental health pilot program.

The evening opened with longtime ESPN SportsCenter co-anchor Neil Everett on the microphone as emcee, followed by a special performance by singer/songwriter Pia Toscano, who moved the crowd to tears with three original songs, including “Brave” plus new album release “I’m Good” and “Walk Through the Fire”, sharing the stage with brave Miracles for Kids patients and siblings supported by the organization. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the evening was the standing ovation that followed a video telling the story of 8-year-old leukemia patient Annabelle and her family. Audience supporters included cast members of Netflix’s Bling Empire, as well as RHOC cast member Heather Dubrow and her husband, Dr. Terry Dubrow, and former cast members, Dr. Jennifer Armstrong, Slade Smiley and Gretchen Rossi.

Miracles thanks the more than 200 volunteers who donated a total of 1,024 hours to help make the event a phenomenal success, and extends special gratitude to presenting sponsor Xponential Fitness, as well as wine sponsors As One Cru and McClain Cellars; Netflix’s Bling Empire jewelry sponsor Kane Lim; and Spirits Sponsors Duke Bourbon, La Adelita Tequila and Tito’s Handmade vodka.

Work miracles today through volunteering, corporate sponsorship, live/silent auction donations, financial support and more: https://www.miraclesforkids.org

About Miracles for Children:
miracles for children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who care for them. Founded in 2002 and led by co-founder and CEO Autumn Strier for nearly 20 years, the organization creates stability for families crumbling from the financial and emotional devastation of the fight for their child’s life. With programs providing financial assistance, basic needs, housing and welfare to patients and their families, miracles fulfills a mission to help caregivers fight bankruptcy, homelessness, hunger and depression, so they can focus on what matters most. Based in Irvine, Calif., the Miracles team currently serves families with children in treatment across the state, including CHOC Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Rady Children’s, L ‘UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and the Loma Linda University Medical Center. Follow @MiraclesForKids on Instagram to see how your efforts are making a difference. Learn more and discover ways to get involved in MiraclesForKids.org.

Contact:

Jessica Kopac
[email protected]
805-570-2599

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