NEW ORLEANS / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 04, 2026 / On the evening of Saturday, March 28, friends and supporters of Manning Family Children’s will celebrate the 44th annual Sugarplum Ball, themed “Where the Garden Grows.” The annual black-tie fundraiser, presented by LEMOINE, will return to the River City Ballroom and Plaza at Mardi Gras World for a night to remember.

Co-Chairs Meg Baldwin and Mary Martin Roth will lead more than 100 Host Committee members who seek to raise $1.5 million in support of Manning Family Children’s. Working alongside the 2026 Ball Co-Chairs, Auction Chairs Sarah Petitto and Amy Rougelot and Food Chairs Meredith Claiborne and Ashby Navarro have helped plan an unforgettable evening.  

"As one of New Orleans' most cherished philanthropic events, Sugarplum Ball celebrates the unwavering support of our community, raising more than $14.5M to advance Manning Family Children’s since the Ball’s inception in 1981,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children’s. "Together, we have laid the foundation for a healthier future for kids. Events like Sugarplum Ball help fuel our vision, ensures our commitment to every child and to an entire region made healthier.”

Top sponsors, including LEMOINE, ENFRA, the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation, In-Telecom and Motorola Solutions, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, CMA Technology Solutions, Deloitte, First Horizon Bank and LSU Health New Orleans Offices of the Senior Vice Chancellor and School of Medicine Dean. Sponsors $12,000 and above will enjoy exclusive access to the Floral Fête VIP Party presented by the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation to kick off the evening from 6-7 p.m. Cuisine by Ralph Brennan Catering and Events, Napoleon House and Ralph’s on the Park and entertainment by NOLA String Quartet will get the evening’s festivities started.  

“Mary Martin and I are honored to carry forward this incredible tradition, now in its 44th year, as this year’s Sugarplum Ball Co-Chairs. With the help of our host committee, we aim to deliver a night in full bloom while raising important funds for Manning Family Children’s,” said Baldwin. “Our community’s continued generosity helps ensure that every child has access to the expert care that he or she needs, and always regardless of a family’s ability to pay.”

The main event begins at 7 p.m., featuring new entertainment on the ENFRA Stage with 8-piece Motown band Az-IzZ joining the fun from Atlanta. Guests will enjoy delicious food from more than 40 local restaurants, and signature cocktails and beer provided by Crescent Crown, The Sazerac Company and Goldring Family Foundation, and wine from Republic National Distributing Company.

A memorable silent auction will feature hundreds of items filled with unique artwork, fine jewelry, vacation packages, sports memorabilia and more. Surrounded by beautiful floral themed décor and whimsical garden-themed characters, patrons will also take a chance at the $50,000 Fleurishing Fortune Cash Raffle presented by Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation. Tickets are on sale now at manningchildrens.org/cashraffle and will be sold during the ball, while chances remain. The winner will be announced on stage at 9:30 p.m. and does not need to be present to win.

"Sugarplum Ball is a beautiful testament to the collective impact of our community,” added Roth. “As mothers and longstanding members of this community, it gives us great pride and comfort to be a part of this transformative night that supports the health and wellbeing of the children of our region. We are grateful for everyone who has played a part in shaping the ball’s success."

For more than 70 years, Manning Family Children’s has proudly served as Louisiana’s only, freestanding, comprehensive children’s hospital with more than 600 pediatric-trained providers and 3,000 employees solely dedicated to the care of kids. In addition to comprehensive services offered at its main campus in New Orleans, Children’s operates a robust network of more than 30 satellite locations, pediatric affiliations across Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and robust and long-standing community programs designed to meet the health needs of the diverse communities it serves. At the heart of its mission, Manning Family Children’s is committed to delivering expert care for every child, every time – regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

For more information or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit manningchildrens.org/sugarplum.