The 21st Annual Starlight Ball

The 21st annual Starlight Ball took place on November 8, 2023. With a “Gatsby” theme, this year’s Starlight Ball Co-Chairs, Amy and Scott Douglas, and Erin and John Sullivan helped make this glamourous event the cats pajamas! A champagne tower, delicious nosh, and the trio Savoy entertained guests as they arrived. During the seated dinner, Brandon and Melanie Weeden were presented with Children’s Health Foundation’s 2023 Miracle Maker award. Former National Football League Quarterback and Oklahoma State Alumni, Brandon Weeden, helped established the CHF Brandon Weeden Endowed Research Chair in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. To date, Brandon and Melanie have raised more than $1.8 million for the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program through the Swing from the Heart Golf Challenge.

Guests were also inspired to give by hearing the powerful and emotional stories from Whitney Allen and Merydith Easter. They shared the critical need for funding to support the continuation of trainings that the Center on Child and Abuse and Neglect hosts each year in Oklahoma. These educational programs have no stable funding source to ensure that this essential information continues to be shared with professionals state-wide. Children’s Health Foundation is making sure that the sustainability of the programs that help prevent child maltreatment in Oklahoma can be funded for years to come.

When the program wrapped up guests were led to the ballroom to enjoy the local band, Drive! Guests danced the night away, enjoyed a photo booth hosted by SmileTime and a raffle drawing by Diamonds Direct!

Thank you to our Event Co-Chairs, as well as their fabulous committee members. They helped make this year’s gala a roaring success! Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and attendees for not only making this event possible, but helping Children’s Health Foundation continue its essential work to make a difference in the lives of Oklahoma children and their families.