Blending Fun and Fundraising to Support Pediatric Health

Children and youth of various genders and races stand together each wearing creative and whimsical fashion designs, Dr. Serrano stands with them
(far r) Mariastella Serrano, MD, stands with all of the young people who modeled custom-designed outfits that were showcased at this year’s Pediatrics Gala.

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(October 31, 2024) — This year’s Pediatrics Gala, “Designed for Children – An Evening at the Renwick,” held on October 29, brought touches of whimsy and optimism to the serious business of raising awareness and funds for the research efforts of the Department of Pediatrics at Georgetown University and pediatric programs at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. 

Set in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, the evening juxtaposed a conversation between Department of Pediatrics Chair Michael J. Donnelly, MD, and longtime Georgetown pediatric psychologist Phyllis Magrab, PhD, about current initiatives in pediatric health with a fashion show of fun and creative outfits created by students at design schools including the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design.

As in previous years, His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United State was the gala’s honorary host, and the Embassy of the State of Qatar the event’s patron sponsor.

Scenes From the Evening

Dr. Serrano holds a microphone onstage at the gala

Mariastella Serrano, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Georgetown’s School of Medicine and a pediatric gastroenterologist with MedStar Health, welcomed guests to the gala.

Longtime Georgetown pediatric psychologist Phyllis Magrab, PhD, engaged Department of Pediatrics Professor and Chair Michael J. Donnelly, MD, in a discussion about current Georgetown University and MedStar Health initiatives in pediatric health.

Dr. Donnelly and Dr. Magrab sit in chairs on a stage at the gala
A view of the Renwick Gallery space filled with tables at which gala attendees sit eating their meals and talking

Attendees at the gala enjoyed a dinner and opportunity to network.

(From l) Jefferi Lee and Tina Mance-Lee with Dipti Patel-Donnelly, MD, and Michael J. Donnelly, MD

Four individuals stand together
Katie Wallace and Jim stand side by side at the gala

Katie Wallace, child life supervisor at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and Jim, a 14-year-old patient at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, shared emcee duties for the evening’s fashion show.

Model Lucie wore “Comet,” designed by Catalina Torres, which was inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous novel “Le Petit Prince.”

A young white girl holds out her arms to model a frilly dress emblazoned with a yellow star while the event emcees look on
A young Black boy wears a racecar driver-like outfit of pants and jacket, holding a racing helmet in one arm while the event emcees stand behind him

Model Devon wore “Cars,” designed by Pono Skousen, whose love for race cars and NASCAR inspired the design.

Model Jonah demonstrated the features of “Professional Sleeper,” designed by Lana Nguyen, which transformed from body pillow to puffer cloak in an exploration of the wearer’s relationship to sleep, comfort and transformation.

A young Black man holds his capelike garment in outstretched arms and looks at the ceiling
Three of the young adult designers stand onstage with the two event emcees on either side of them

Three of the designers whose work was featured in the fashion show were present at the gala.