Children’s Minnesota is excited to announce the 34th annual Star Gala raised a record-breaking $3.7 million to benefit the nonprofit pediatric health system’s mental health program. Star Gala is regarded as one of the biggest nights of the year for the Twin Cities philanthropic community. This year’s event supported The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota who support children and families across the full continuum of mental health care, from outpatient psychology to inpatient treatment, so families can access the level of care that best fits their child’s needs.
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Children’s Minnesota Foundation president, Jenny Soderholm, speaks at the 2026 Star Gala, fundraising for Children’s Minnesota’s mental health program.
“We can’t see the pain of a mental health crisis, even though it’s just as threatening, and just as urgent, as a physical wound. At Children’s Minnesota we have built a continuum of mental health care designed to meet kids exactly where they are — long before a crisis begins, and long after the acute threat has passed,” said Emily Chapman, MD, president and CEO of Children’s Minnesota. “We are grateful to everyone who supported this year’s Star Gala and to our generous community who supports our organization year-round. These donations are critical in allowing us to continue to support kids when they need us most.”
The 34th annual Star Gala, hosted by Jenny Soderholm, Children’s Minnesota Foundation president, brought business leaders, philanthropists and community members to The Depot in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 11. It opened with a moving performance from the Annunciation Church and School choir and featured a testimonial video from a mental health patient connected to the Annunciation Church and School shooting that occurred in Minneapolis in August 2025.
Previous Star Galas supported lifesaving programs at Children’s Minnesota such as neuroscience, neonatology and cancer and blood disorders as well as essential support programs through child and family services. This year’s Star Gala was made possible by presenting sponsor APi Group with additional support from Target, Ciresi Conlin LLP, Great Clips and UnitedHealth Group.
About Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota devoted exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children’s Minnesota offers more than 60 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals, multiple specialty centers and clinics throughout the metro area. The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region.
Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org.
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