A record-breaking evening for pediatric research and care
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A record-high $4 million was raised at the Derby Day Soirée, Cleveland Clinic Children’s annual fundraising event to support lifesaving programs and advance pediatric research.
Derby Day Soirée is the signature fundraising event for Cleveland Clinic Children’s which has raised more than $20 million since its inception in 1990. Over 600 guests attended this year’s sold-out event, held on May 4 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
“We are grateful to everyone involved in making this year a record-breaking fundraising event for Cleveland Clinic Children’s,” said Rita Pappas, M.D., Interim Chief of Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “We are committed to ensuring children’s survival and nurturing their growth so that they are empowered to embrace life to the fullest. This milestone is a testament to our dedication to advancing pediatric healthcare and research. Together, we are not only transforming patient care but shaping a healthier future for generations to come.”
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Derby Day Soirée – presented by the Cafaro Foundation, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Superstars, The Fedeli Family Foundation and Scala Family Foundation – featured a viewing of the 150th Kentucky Derby and heartfelt stories of how raised funds have supported lifesaving care throughout the year. The event's honorary chair was Umberto Fedeli, with special honoree and longtime supporter of Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Eddie J. DeBartolo Jr., and his family.
The evening included remarks from Tom Mihaljevic, M.D., Cleveland Clinic CEO and President, and Morton L. Mandel CEO Chair, Beri Ridgeway, M.D., Enterprise Chief of Staff at Cleveland Clinic, and special tribute videos for Mr. DeBartolo, caregivers, and patients and their families. Special guest, Joe Montana, surprised Mr. DeBartolo with his attendance and support.
The money raised helps support the latest advances in pediatric care, research in all the specialties provided at Cleveland Clinic Children's and innovative programs such as art and music therapy.
The 2025 Derby Day Soirée is scheduled for May 3. Follow @CleClinicKids on Twitter for the latest information about Cleveland Clinic Children’s.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a part of the Cleveland Clinic health system and offers full medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents. Cleveland Clinic Children’s supports 389 beds in four acute care hospitals and one post-acute specialty hospital. In addition, pediatric services are available at more than 50 outpatient clinic locations across Northeast Ohio. A staff of more than 400 full-time pediatricians and sub-specialists see more than one million pediatric visits each year and provide hospital care for 13,000 children per year. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a non-profit, multi-specialty academic medical center integrating clinical care, research, and education. Cleveland Clinic Children’s consistently ranks among the “Best Children’s Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report. Visit us online at www.clevelandclinic.org/childrens and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clevelandclinicchildrens.
