Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota second annual Shine Bright Bash raises more than $320,000 to support its Cancer and Blood Disorders Program

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 400 guests decked out in 1970s disco-glam attire filled The Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley on Saturday, September 12 for Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Shine Bright Bash, raising more than $320,000 for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program.

Guests embraced the 1970s theme, showing up in costume and enjoying a fun-filled night with live music by Boogie Wonderland and 1970s activities, including a disco ball wall and a "Glided Gallery" offering tattoos, a photo booth and a sketch artist. Inspirational stories from patient families and doctors rounded out the program, and attendees gave generously throughout the evening during live, Fund-A-Need and silent auctions. The evening was emceed by KARE 11's Lindsey Seavert.

Proceeds from Children's Shine Bright Bash support its 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.

"Thanks to the generous support from attendees and corporate sponsors, we raised more than $320,000 at this year's Shine Bright Bash for our Cancer and Blood Disorders Program," said Theresa Pesch, RN, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Foundation president. "The funds will impact countless kids battling cancer and allow us to advance our facilities and clinical capabilities, as well as provide support to patients and families through the Cancer Kids Fund."

Christine Wiegert, one of the event co-chairs, opened the program by sharing a story about her son, Michael, and his battle with cancer. Today, after receiving treatment at Children's, Michael is cancer free. Christine and her family became involved with Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program so they could give back to the program and staff that supported Michael through his battle.

Dr. Susan Sencer, Cancer and Blood Disorders Program medical director, closed the evening by announcing the honorees of the Ryan Family Award, which recognizes individuals who are exceptionally involved and supportive of Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program. This year's Community Star was Theresa Miller and the Children's Star was Bruce Bostrom, MD.

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

This year's Shine Bright Bash presenting sponsor was Murphy Warehouse Company. Other major sponsors included: Prime Therapeutics, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Physicians of the Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program, Continental Property Group, the Ryan Family, Knutson Construction, Cushman & Wakefield/NorthMarq, Healthcare Advisory Group, Kate Bryant and Jonathan Lindfors, Children's Respiratory and Critical Care Specialists, Delta Airlines, Sharon Murphy Garber, Rob and Geri Jorgensen and United Hospital Foundation.

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. Please visit childrensMN.org.

Media Contact 
Madeline Riggs 
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SOURCE Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

Related Links

http://www.childrensmn.org