MANNING FAMILY CHILDREN’S SUGARPLUM BALL “WHERE THE GARDEN GROWS” RAISES RECORD-BREAKING $1.7M TO SUPPORT ITS VITAL MISSION

The 44th annual Sugarplum Ball, presented by LEMOINE, was held March 28 at Mardi Gras World.

NEW ORLEANS – An unforgettable evening was in full bloom as Manning Family Children’s hosted the 44th annual Sugarplum Ball, presented by LEMOINE, at Mardi Gras World’s River City Ball Room on Saturday, March 28. Themed “Where the Garden Grows”, this year’s celebration cultivated generosity across the community, raising more than $1.7 million to support life-saving care for children – the most ever for the signature fundraising event.

A cherished New Orleans tradition, Sugarplum Ball continues to flourish as one of the region’s premier philanthropic events. More than 1,600 guests gathered for a vibrant evening filled with exceptional cuisine from 40+ local restaurants and caterers, lively entertainment by Az Izz on the ENFRA dance stage, and a silent auction brimming with sought-after items and experiences.

Under the leadership of 2026 Co-Chairs Meg Baldwin and Mary Martin Roth, the evening blossomed into a powerful expression of community support. Guests stepped into a fully transformed River City Ball Room, reimagined as a flourishing garden—where every detail, from culinary creations to immersive design, reflected the spirit of growth, renewal, and possibility.

“This year’s Sugarplum Ball served as a beautiful reminder of what can grow when a community comes together with purpose,” said Lou Fragoso, President and CEO. “Because of the extraordinary support of our community, Manning Family Children’s can continue to make healthier futures for kids possible —expanding access to care and ensuring that each child has the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive.”

The 2026 Sugarplum Ball also marked a meaningful milestone, celebrating the hospital’s first full year as Manning Family Children’s and the expanding impact of its mission across the region. Proceeds from the event will support critical programs, advanced treatments, and compassionate care for every child, every time – regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

The evening’s success was made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor LEMOINE and stage sponsor ENFRA, along with a strong network of community partners. Highlights included a curated culinary experience featuring contributions from the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, Louisiana Seafood Company, and many of the city’s top chefs, as well as specialty beverages provided by Crescent Crown, the Sazerac Company and Goldring Family Foundation, and Republic National Distributing Company.

In addition to the silent auction, the Fleurishing Fortune Cash Raffle, presented by the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, helped the evening’s impact continue to grow, bringing the total funds raised to more than $1.7 million.

For more information about Manning Family Children’s and the Sugarplum Ball, visit manningchildrens.org/sugarplum.

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About Manning Family Children’s

Manning Family Children’s is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Manning Family Children’s offers a comprehensive array of specialized pediatric services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, Children’s operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Children’s offers primary care at 17 convenient locations, along with a network of statewide pediatric affiliations. 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 manningchildrens.org.