Children’s Hospital New Orleans hosts 42nd annual Sugarplum Ball, presented by Lemoine, to raise $1.5M in support of pediatric care for all

Written By Alicia Vial

The 2024 Sugarplum Ball, presented by Lemoine and themed “How Sweet It Is’, will be held at Mardi Gras World’s River City Ballroom Saturday, March 23

NEW ORLEANS – On the evening of Saturday, March 23, friends and supporters of Children’s Hospital New Orleans will celebrate the 42nd annual Sugarplum Ball, entitled How Sweet It Is. The fundraiser, presented by LEMOINE, will be set at the River City Ballroom and Plaza at Mardi Gras World.

Co-Chairs Quincy Crawford and Jessica Waguespack will lead more than 100 Host Committee members who seek to raise $1.5 million in support of Children's Hospital - the most in Sugarplum Ball history. Working alongside the 2024 Ball co-chairs, auction chairs Smith Beevers and Marcie Gardner and food chairs Susie Kirchner and Leigh Liles, MD, have helped plan an evening to remember.

"As one of New Orleans' most cherished philanthropic celebrations, Sugarplum Ball highlights the unwavering generosity of our ball patrons and sponsors who have helped raise more than $11.2 million to further Children’s Hospital’s vital mission through the years,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, president and CEO of Children's Hospital New Orleans. "As we embark upon the 42nd year of Sugarplum tradition, we know the results will be sweeter than ever in advancing our mission to deliver the highest level of pediatric healthcare for the children of Louisiana, the Gulf South and beyond.”

Top sponsors, including LEMOINE, Bernhard, The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, The McDonnel Group, LSU Health New Orleans’ Department of Pediatrics and more, will enjoy a Sundae Soiree VIP party presented by the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation to kick off the evening’s sweet theme, from 6-7 p.m. Cuisine by Ralph Brennan Catering at Cafe NOMA and entertainment by NOLA Dukes Band will get the spectacular evening started.

“As a mom living in New Orleans, I am intimately aware of the important role that Children’s Hospital plays in our community,” said Crawford. “My sons have gone to Children’s Hospital for everything from x-rays to tonsillectomies – and we know many people who have needed Children’s Hospital for serious health issues – in both cases, it’s comforting knowing that there is world-class pediatric healthcare right in our backyard.”

The main event begins at 7 p.m., featuring new entertainment on the Bernhard Dance Stage with 11-piece New Orleans band Blue Rhythm. Guests will enjoy delicious food from more than 30 local restaurants, and signature cocktails and beer provided by Crescent Crown, The Sazerac Company and Goldring Family Foundation, and wine from Republic National Distributing Company. Patrons will also take a chance at the Jelly Bean Jackpot Raffle Pull presented by The McDonnel Group and discover their sweet side with a Candy Bar presented by LSU Health New Orleans’ Department of Pediatrics.

A sensational silent auction will feature hundreds of items filled with unique artwork, fine jewelry, vacation packages, sports memorabilia and more. Patrons will also enjoy unique themed décor and characters that celebrate “the sweet life” all evening long.

Two exciting raffles take the cake this year. Thanks to the generous support of The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, the evening will include a $50,000 cash raffle. Tickets are on sale now at chnola.org/cashraffle and will be sold during the ball, while chances remain. The winner of the golden ticket cash prize will be announced on stage at 9:30 p.m. Additionally, the hospital is raffling off seven chances to win four suite tickets each to Taylor Swift ꟾ The Eras Tour Saturday, October 26 in New Orleans. Tickets are on sale now at chnola.org/taylor and will continue to be sold during the ball, while chances remain. All proceeds from the Taylor Swift ticket raffle will help fund a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit at Children’s Hospital. Raffle winners do not need to be present to win.

"As a mother and lifelong New Orleanian, witnessing the steadfast support that our community has for Children’s Hospital is truly humbling," said Waguespack. "As Children’s Hospital proudly cares for more children than ever before, each dollar raised through events like Sugarplum Ball helps ensure that all children continue to receive the expert and often lifesaving care they need regardless of the family’s ability to pay.”

For more information or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit chnola.org/sugarplum.

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About Children’s Hospital New Orleans
Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, delivered just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Children’s offers a comprehensive array of pediatric healthcare services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, the hospital operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Diamondhead, MS. Children’s offers primary care services at 14 convenient locations and remotely via its Virtual Care for Kids program. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at chnola.org.  

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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