Back in person for the first time in three years, the 800 attendees, 90 volunteers and 57 event sponsors at St. Luke’s Children’s Kid For A Night were more than ready to celebrate.
Or should we say, “shellebrate,” to fit the evening’s tropical theme.
Held on June 3 at the Boise Centre, the night was a major success in the annual event’s 30th year, featuring a live band outside on the plaza, a silent auction, a program that included Hawaiian dance performers, great food and the chance for the adults to play games like they were kids again.
A record total of $702,014 was raised through the night, including a “Paddles Up For The Kids” fundraiser that raised nearly $250,000 in just 18 minutes. One anonymous donor even offered a $100,000 donation match on the spot. Jeremy and Karalie DeLuca’s $50,000 paddle raise helped complete an effort to fund a new ambulance for the Air St. Luke’s Maternal Child (MatCh) team.
Other Children’s efforts supported by Kid For A Night include new pediatric and neonatal equipment, expansion of pediatric mental and behavioral health specialists and the Children’s Mobile Care units.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better first year back in action — our community showed up in every possible way for our St. Luke’s kids, and we just had so much fun,” said Meagan Krahn, St. Luke’s Health Foundation director of special events. “I love that we all get to come together to celebrate children’s health care in such a meaningful way, and I know our Children’s teams are infinitely grateful for each attendee, sponsor, donor, volunteer and staff member for their tireless support!”
Since the very first Kid For A Night event in 1992, more than $10 million has been raised to benefit St. Luke's Children's Hospital.
Dave Southorn works in the Communications and Marketing department at St. Luke's.