Champion's Celebration Gala Raises $218,000

Children’s Miracle Network Gala Sets New Record

A Champion’s Celebration gala raised a record-breaking $218,000 for Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital. The gala was held May 11 at the GIANT Center in Hershey and featured guest speaker Penn State Head Football Coach James Franklin.

During the program, five children’s hospital patients walked the runway in front of more than 500 cheering guests and received a medal from Coach Franklin. Comedian Earl David Reed hosted the medal ceremony.

“These brave children face each health challenge with the heart of champion, and their stories are truly inspiring,” shared Danielle Sunday, director of Children’s Miracle Network. “Thank you to our incredibly generous sponsors and guests for an unforgettable evening and most importantly, giving kids in our community the gift of growing up.” Top sponsors included Highmark Blue Shield, JPL, Universal Media-Analytics, an anonymous donor, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, The Hershey Company and Johnson Controls.

Jere Gish and Lori Burkholder from WGAL-TV8 also emceed. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction, Walt Disney World vacation raffle and entertainment by No Last Call and The Uptown Band.

View event photos on the CMN Hershey Facebook page.

Meet our champions:

Nicholas Cropper, a heart surgery patient.

Addison Sechrist, a former NICU patient.

Deven Jackson, who lost his legs to bacterial meningitis.

Corbin Hutchison, who needed life support as an infant.

Sayali Yoder, who was born with missing limbs.