Gathering for Good

Even rain couldn’t dampen the joy of the 21st annual ROAR for Kids at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. The finish-line festival celebrated the top finishers and fundraisers, and the event ended with a joyous mascot dance party.

More than 1,400 registrants helped raise $186,000 in support of programs and initiatives throughout the Institute. Since 2005, ROAR has raised nearly $3.9 million for Kennedy Krieger’s patients, students and programs.

Kennedy Krieger’s first Champions of Hope Gala celebrated the work of Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, a visionary leader whose dedication to the Institute is exemplary. Pictured here with Dr. Grasmick are Patricia Brown, Cynthia Cavanaugh, Dr. Bradley L. Schlaggar and Aimee Fulchino.

The sold-out gala welcomed more than 550 guests, including 88 corporate and foundation supporters, who helped raise $1.4 million for the Institute, exceeding the event’s goal.

Held annually, the Institute’s Society Reception highlights the generosity and commitment of the Institute’s most committed corporate partners, volunteers and donors.

Honorees in 2025 included the late Michael J. Batza Jr.; Howard B. Miller, Esq.; Jim Schmutz, CEO of Special Olympics Maryland; WIN co-presidents Cynthia Cavanaugh and Aimee Fulchino; and BGE, an Exelon Company. Pictured here are representatives of BGE.

Team Kennedy Krieger presented the area’s first adaptive pickleball tournament for athletes of all levels, including adaptive athletes and mixed doubles teams.

Fifty-five teams, including 11 adaptive athletes, competed in the tournament, raising over $23,000 to support adaptive sports, therapy equipment and scholarships for patients with disabilities.

The Women’s Initiative Network’s (WIN) new fall event, Harvesting Hope, brought together 217 guests to support the creation of a dedicated teen lounge within the renovated Child Life and Recreation Therapies Department at Kennedy Krieger.

Held at Cece’s Roland Park and chaired by Jennifer Brittingham, Shannon Tehan and Laura Wille, the event raised $95,000 and included sponsorships from 27 families and companies.

Since its inception in 1989, this beloved holiday event has welcomed over one million visitors and raised more than $29 million to support patients, students and programs at Kennedy Krieger.

In addition to offering holiday fun for families, this year’s festival featured a new event: Tinsel on Tap, a pop-up party for adults with a DJ, a trivia contest and a crowd-pleasing festive fashion contest.