Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital marks 100-year milestone with a once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Celebration

BALTIMORE, MD (Dec 6) - On November 19, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH) celebrated its centennial anniversary in grand style. A guest list of energetic and gracious supporters from around the Baltimore area gathered for a truly magical and historic evening – the MWPH Centennial Ball. The black-tie affair, presented by Quotient, welcomed 600 guests, including the founder’s family, corporate sponsors, past and present hospital leadership, longtime friends, and others close to this special hospital.

“The hospital is 100 years young – a true milestone,” said Sheldon Stein, president and CEO of the hospital. “The Centennial Ball was a magnificent celebration of our hospital’s unique history. MWPH is poised to continue to fulfill our mission for the next century.” Stein, who is retiring this month after 28 years in leadership roles, concluded his remarks with a toast to the next 100 years. “I want to recognize and celebrate everyone who has contributed to the hospital’s success and the tremendous impact we’ve had on this community for the past 100 years. Together with the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine, we’ve achieved countless milestones and innovations in pediatric medicine.” During the program, a heartfelt tribute video featuring staff, board members and family thanked him for his many years of service.

The event took place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds infield in an enormous tent which was transformed into an elegant setting fit for the 100-year celebration. The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, raffle, and a special "Centennial Challenge" appeal. The ball was chaired by Lauren Perlin, founder of the MWPH Storybook Gala, past chair and current member of the Mt. Washington Pediatric Foundation Board and proud patient parent.

“The evening was a once in a lifetime celebration!” said Perlin. “It was my honor to chair and work alongside Beth Armacost, my friend and vice chair, the rest of the ball committee and hospital staff. I’d like to thank them for their support and dedication in making the night such a huge success.”

"It was an honor and a privilege to be presenting sponsor of such a momentous event." said Clark Lare, Co-Founder and President, Quotient. “My wife, Jodi and I first became aware of MWPH simply by driving by it one day, and we were inspired to donate some toys from the hospital’s wish list during the holidays. That was more than 20 years ago, and our connection with the hospital has only grown and strengthened since then. We were thrilled to be able to support our friends and the patients of MWPH during its centennial year in such a meaningful way."

The event’s feature video shared the story of the first 100 years of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, from the humble beginnings on Poplar Hill as Happy Hills Convalescent Home for Children to the leader in pediatric specialty care it is today. Former and current patients were featured in the video, showing the evolution of care over the decades and MWPH’s ability to consistently meet the needs of the community it serves.

The Centennial Challenge moment of the evening fully funded the purchase of a Bioness Vector Elite Gait and Safety System, a state-of-the-art piece of equipment to be used in the new Ability Center which will open next spring. December 31 marks the end of what will be the hospital’s most successful campaign to date. Hope Heal Grow: The Centennial Campaign for MWPH has raised more than $17 million fulfilling three key priorities of growth and expansion for the hospital.

The Centennial Ball welcomed a large number of supporters. In addition to Quotient’s presenting sponsorship, the event received additional support from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, D.F. Dent, Kelly Benefit Strategies, Len Stoler Automotive, M&T Bank, AssistedRehab, Eliasberg Family Foundation Inc., Johns Hopkins Medicine, MCB Real Estate, University of Maryland Medical System, Verdence Capital Advisors, the Weinman family and others.

View photos from the event - Click here for red carpet photos and here for event photos, using the password ‘MWPHphotos’ to access.

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About Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital: Celebrating 100 Years

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital celebrates 100 years of providing family-focused, coordinated care to all children, including those with serious, chronic, or complex medical needs. MWPH was founded in 1922 by Hortense Kahn Eliasberg, who sought to open a home where children could safely recover from illness and surgery. Today, 100 years stronger, the hospital treats more than 8,500 patients each year, helping them to heal, grow and learn the skills that lead to happier, more independent lives. The 102-bed hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine with locations in the Mt. Washington section of Baltimore City, Prince George's County, Harford County, via telehealth, and in the community. For more information, please visit mwph.org.