Story by: Norton Children's on March 23, 2018
The Children’s Hospital Foundation announced today that its annual black tie gala, the Snow Ball, will move to the new Omni Louisville Hotel. Funds raised will benefit the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital. Jennifer’s parents, Gary and Karen Lawrence, will serve as honorary chairs for the Nov. 17 gala.
The move to the new Omni Louisville Hotel will allow additional guests to support the work of Norton Children’s Hospital.
“Helping Norton Children’s Heart Center is something that we’re passionate about,” Gary Lawrence said. “We’re pleased to be able to represent our daughter and expand fundraising efforts for children who need specialized heart care.”
“The Lawrence Family Foundation has been extremely generous in establishing the CICU, and we’re thankful for the trust in the great work of our caregivers at Norton Children’s Hospital,” said Lynnie Meyer, Ed.D., R.N., CFRE, chief development officer, Norton Healthcare. “The community historically has been very enthusiastic about the Snow Ball, and we’re pleased to give more people the opportunity to be involved with our mission through this event.”
The Snow Ball, now in its 28th year, features an upscale silent auction, five-course gourmet meal and dancing to the band Galaxy. Guests also will experience Omni hospitality.
“The Omni Louisville is honored to be hosting this year’s Snow Ball gala. We’re pleased to be able to support the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Norton Children’s Hospital, and help to raise awareness and funds for this significant cause,” said Scott Stuckey, general manager, Omni Louisville. “We have planned some unique features that will help make this event a memorable experience for all as they celebrate at our hotel.”
The Jennifer Lawrence CICU was established in 2016 with a $2 million gift from the Lawrence Family Foundation. At the time of the initial gift, the foundation challenged the community to raise an additional $2 million to support construction of the unit. Funds raised through this year’s Snow Ball will go toward that initiative.
The CICU will feature specialized space for children recovering from heart procedures; open heart surgery, including heart transplant; heart failure; and other conditions requiring intensive care. The center is part of a large renovation currently underway at the hospital.
Saturday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m. to midnight
The Omni Louisville Hotel
Tickets go on sale June 15
“Offering the kind of programs, services, technology and equipment found at Norton Children’s Heart Center demands support from the entire community,” Meyer said. “This gift and challenge goes a long way in rallying our community to advance the world-class care available here for children from throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.”
Norton Children’s Hospital, working with specialists from University of Louisville Physicians, is home to the only pediatric heart failure and transplant program serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The program is made up of a specialized team that includes a heart failure cardiologist, electrophysiologist, interventional cardiologist, cardiovascular surgeon, transplant surgeon, cardiovascular anesthesiologist, intensive care physicians, specially trained pharmacist, social worker, child life specialist, specially trained nurses, a family support team and a rehabilitation specialist.
The Snow Ball is presented by Konica Minolta and will be Saturday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m. to midnight at the Omni Louisville Hotel. Tickets are $5,000 for a corporate sponsor table of 10 or $450 each, and will go on sale June 15. It is part of the Festival of Trees & Lights presented by Republic Bank. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit HelpNortonChildrens.com.