As the largest provider of care to low-income and underinsured children in Massachusetts, funds raised will help Children's continue its world-class care, cutting-edge research and community health programs.

"To say I am eternally grateful to every person who attended Champions last night would be an understatement," said James Mandell, MD, president and CEO of Children's Hospital Boston. "These events enable us to care for families worldwide and conduct innovative research with far-reaching implications for treating both children and adults for diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration, and Alzheimer's."

Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara accepts the 2007 Champion Award on behalf of injured teammate Patrice Bergeron. With him are Children's patient David Youngerman and David's mother, Michelle.

Bergeron supports Children's through "Patrice's Pals"-- a program that brings children from local hospitals and other organizations to the TD Banknorth Garden as VIP Bruins game guests.

The event was co-chaired by Children's Hospital Trust Board member Joel Cutler of General Catalyst Partners and Children's Hospital Board member Marc B. Wolpow of Audax Group.

"Champions is one of the premier charity events in Boston supported by all five sports teams," said Cutler. "Owners are members of the event committee, donate unbelievable auction items, invite players to the dinner, and help raise awareness of the event within their social circles. It's no wonder the event has become one of the largest fundraisers in the city."

Comcast Sports personalities Greg Dickerson and Mike Gorman served as co-hosts for the evening.

Red Sox principal owner John Henry presents the 2007 World Series trophy to a standing ovation

Other items included a 30-minute session with Red Sox Dustin Pedroia at Spring Training, an on-ice hockey clinic with Patrice Bergeron, and more. Charles Bailey-Gates served as the professional auctioneer.

Red Sox principal owner John Henry and Red Sox chairman Tom Werner attended the event with the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies in tow.

For more information, visit www.childrenshospital.org/champions.

Contact:
Amy Sweeney
617-355-4102
amy.sweeney@chtrust.org

Gracious sponsors include:
Presenting Sponsor:
Cushman & Wakefield

Platinum Sponsors:
Audax Group and the Rehnert and Wolpow Families; Davis Marcus Partners, Inc. and Anne and Paul Marcus Family Foundation; General Catalyst Partners and Joel and Randi Cutler; and Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Griffin, Jr

Silver Sponsors:
Bank of New York Mellon; Steven and Deborah Barnes; Anita and Joshua Bekenstein; Boston Bruins/ NESN; Boulder Capital; Brookfield Properties; Brooks Properties; Brookside Capital; CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.; Eastdil Secured; Gordon Brothers and Mark and Marie Schwartz; Harrah's Foundation; Highland Capital Partners; J. Moriarty & Associates; Jonathan and Jeannie Lavine; Marci and Franz Loeber; Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Maher, Jr.; New England Patriots; Pepsi-Cola; Jim and Cecelia Rappaport, Jerry and Lori Rappaport and New Boston Fund; Red Sox Foundation; Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada; Suffolk Construction; and Waters Corporation.

Children's Hospital Boston, an internationally renowned center for medical research and treatment, is one of the only pediatric hospitals nationwide that focuses on pairing world-class research with clinical resources to develop top therapies to treat and cure children. Many of the hospital's scientific advancements have far-reaching implications for treating adults, too--they target diseases including prostate and breast cancer, macular degeneration, and Alzheimer's.