Children's first annual Shine Bright Bash raises more than $275,000 to support Cancer and Blood Disorders Program

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 500 guests decked out in 1920's flair filled The Pourhouse in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday, September 13 for Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's inaugural speakeasy-themed Shine Bright Bash, raising more than $275,000 for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program.

Guests donned classic Roaring 20's attire while participating in a fun-filled night of dinner, dancing and twenties-themed events, including a flapper board, photo booth and palm readings. Inspirational stories from patients and doctors rounded out the program, and attendees gave generously throughout the evening during the silent auction, Fund-A-Need auction and live auction.

Proceeds from Children's Shine Bright Bash support the Cancer and Blood Disorders Program, including the Cancer Kids Fund. Children's has the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorders program in the Upper Midwest, caring for more than 70 percent of kids diagnosed in the Twin Cities, and ranks among the top 10 programs in the U.S. in both medical and surgical cancer outcomes. The Cancer Kids Fund supports services and research aimed at making the journey to health a little easier for pediatric cancer and blood disorder patients and their families.

"I am honored by the support and generosity the Twin Cities community has shown at Children's Shine Bright Bash," said Theresa Pesch, RN, president of Children's Foundation. "Our goal for the Cancer Kids Fund is to be able to provide the best care and support for children and their families. With the overwhelming generosity of our donors, we will be able to provide a number of programs and services, including social work, child life, psychology, financial assistance and more, to families who need it most."

Children's patient Connor Jeurissen and his sister Leah kicked off the program by surprising guests with a flash mob dance with the St. Olaf College Ballroom Performance Team. The audience was later deeply touched by another Children's patient, 12-year-old Jordan Nohre, who shared her story of her battle with Acute Mylegeneous Leukemia. Through the support of the Cancer and Blood Disorder Program team, Jordan has been cancer free since last December. 

To close out the evening, Dr. Susan Sencer of Children's honored two winners of the Ryan Family Award for their exceptional support and dedication to the Cancer and Blood Disorders Program. Award recipients included Dr. Margaret Heisel Kurth in the Children's Star category and Kim Buff in the Community Star category.

The program was co-chaired by Kim Buff, Katie Miller and Justine Zirbes, and emceed by KARE 11's Eric "Perk" Perkins.

A photo recap of the evening's festivities is available on Children's Facebook page.

Major sponsors of Children's Shine Bright Bash included: Prime Therapeutics, SpyderTrap, Ryan Companies, Physicians of the Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program, Continental Property Group, Pediatric Surgical Associates, Crystal Farms and Cushman & Wakefield/Northmarq Healthcare Advisory Group.

About Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children's serves kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, 12 primary and specialty-care clinics and six rehabilitation sites. Children's maintains its longstanding commitment to the community to improve children's health by providing high-quality, family-centered pediatric services and advancing those efforts through research and education. This work is made possible in large part by generous philanthropic and volunteer support from individuals and organizations throughout the state and region. An award-winning health system, Children's is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children's hospital and by The Leapfrog Group for quality and efficiency. Please visit ChildrensMN.org.

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SOURCE Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota