Join us for one magical evening to change the future of children’s health
The Children’s Gala
Twenty years after the inaugural Children’s Gala brought our community together to help build the Sanford Children’s Castle of Care in Sioux Falls, we are reigniting this beloved event to help build for a new era of care for every child who counts on this special place.
There are no limits to the good this community can do, together. The Castle of Care is proof. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate your impact and imagine the future of care for kids.
Saturday, October 7th 2023
Enjoy fine food and drinks, live entertainment, a celebration of philanthropy and an inspiring call to action from local kids, families and Sanford Health leaders.
5:30 p.m. – Social
7:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:30 p.m. – Program
9:00 p.m. – Music
Cocktail Attire Suggested
Event Preparation
- Will there be coat check? – Yes, coat check will be in the entrance.
- Do I need a ticket to enter the Gala? – It is recommended that guests register in advance of the event to assist in a quicker check-in. Staff will assist you with check-in and locating your table once you arrive. Register here.
- Can I purchase additional tickets or tables at the door? – While we wish we could accommodate everyone, the Gala is sold out. There will be no additional ticket or table sales for the event.
- If one of my guests is unexpectedly unable to attend, can I invite someone else at the last minute? (For table hosts or sponsors only) – Yes, you can invite someone other than your original guest. Please tell our registration table the name of the person who is unable to attend and provide them with the name of your new guest. Your new guest will need to check in at the registration table.
At the Event
- Where should I park? – There is a lot to the south of the Pentagon reserved for Gala parking (2210 W Pentagon Pl).
- Are there organized shuttles? – Yes, shuttles will be circulating throughout the parking lot to take guests from their car to the entrance, and then back to vehicles at the end of the evening.
- Is there valet? – Yes, valet will be available for those who need the extra assistance.
- What can I expect as a guest at this event? – The Children’s Gala will be an incredibly impactful and inspiring event, lifting up our dedicated caregivers, crucial programs and services, and sweet pediatric patients. There will be a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres, a delicious plated-dinner, drinks, a compelling program featuring the beautiful work happening each day at Sanford Children’s, followed by music and dancing with nationally renowned band, The Downtown Band.
- Will there be a vegetarian plate option? – Yes, please notify the server that you would like a vegetarian plate.
- Will there be an opportunity to partner with Sanford Children’s and support their mission at the event? – Yes! Guests inspired by the evening will have the opportunity to give by way of credit card or invoice through our Miracle Match.
A castle ruled by kids, fueled by philanthropy
Where our story began
In 2004, a $16 million challenge gift from philanthropist Denny Sanford played a lead role in helping construct Sanford Children’s, the region’s only free-standing children’s hospital. It also inspired donors across the region to step forward in support of the project.
The Castle of Care, modeled after a fairy-tale castle, opened in 2009 and immediately improved access to care for thousands of children and families across the region. In its first five years, the hospital cared for more than 13,000 children from 35 states across the country.
How far we’ve come
Today, more than 15,000 children count on Sanford Children’s and the Boekelheide NICU every year.
Here, kids are transported into an enchanted fairytale castle that is home to more than 135 experts in 35 pediatric specialties, along with Child Life Specialists, a school tutor, spiritual care provider and many others, all dedicated to caring for kids of all ages and stages of life.
- Boekelheide Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) As the only Level IV NICU in the Dakotas, the Sanford Boelkelheide NICU provides the most advanced neonatal care for the regions most critically ill and fragile babies.
- Miller Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) The Miller PICU offers the region’s most advanced care to children in critical condition.
Where we can go, together
As more and more kids count on the Castle of Care, we count oun our community’s generosity more than ever.
Every gift raised for Sanford Children’s Hospital through the Sanford Health Foundation supports everything from fairytale spaces to lifesaving equipment, family and patient services, research and more. It all adds up to help recruit and retain expert caregivers, maintain the most advanced NICU in the Dakotas and deliver world-class care, close to home.
100% of every gift stays here to support:
- Services like Child Life, school tutoring and spiritual care at no cost to families
- Financial assistance to help families with meals, mileage, lodging and other costs not covered by insurance
- Lifesaving equipment like Giraffe OmniBeds, pediatric CT scanners and ultrasound machines
- Playrooms filled with toys, games, books and cozy furniture
- And so much more!
Sponsorship Opportunities
The 2023 Children’s Gala is sold out, but we’d love to host you next year.
Contact us to let us know you’re interested in sponsoring the 2024 Gala.