On April 11, 2026, philanthropic leaders, healthcare advocates, and community supporters will gather at The Depot in Minneapolis for one of the Twin Cities’ most important charitable events: the 34th Annual Children’s Minnesota Star Gala.

For more than three decades, the Children’s Minnesota Star Gala has served as a cornerstone fundraising event for one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States. The gala brings together business leaders, donors, and families with a shared mission: ensuring children across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest receive the care and support they need to thrive.

The 2026 event focuses on a pressing issue in pediatric healthcare today. This year’s gala will raise funds to expand and strengthen Children’s Minnesota’s mental health services for children and adolescents, a growing priority as hospitals nationwide respond to rising demand for behavioral health care.

A Signature Philanthropic Event in the Twin Cities

The Star Gala has grown into one of the most influential nonprofit events in Minnesota. Hosted annually by Children’s Minnesota, the evening blends celebration with impact through a formal dinner, auctions, live entertainment, and powerful patient stories that highlight the hospital’s mission.

The 2026 gala schedule includes:

• 6:00 p.m. – Cocktails, silent auction and raffle
• 7:30 p.m. – Dinner, program and live auction
• 9:30 p.m. – Live band and afterparty

Guests attend in black-tie attire, and participation typically comes through sponsorships and invited supporters who help drive the event’s fundraising success.

Over the years, the Star Gala has raised millions of dollars for programs that directly improve the lives of children receiving care at Children’s Minnesota. These funds often support services that traditional healthcare reimbursement does not fully cover, including therapeutic programs, family support services, and specialized pediatric initiatives.

Why Pediatric Mental Health Is the Focus in 2026

Mental health care for children has become one of the most urgent priorities in pediatric medicine.

Across the United States, hospitals are seeing increasing numbers of children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral health challenges. Pediatric hospitals have responded by expanding services that integrate psychological care with traditional medical treatment.

At Children’s Minnesota, mental health services involve a multidisciplinary team of pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, social workers, nurses, and child life specialists who work together to support patients and families.

The hospital’s mental health programs include:

• Outpatient therapy and psychiatric services
• Emergency mental health care
• Inpatient pediatric behavioral health units
• Support programs designed to help families navigate treatment

Many of these services rely heavily on philanthropic support. Donations raised during events like the Star Gala help ensure that children receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and emotional well-being.

The Community Leaders Supporting the Mission

Events like the Star Gala depend on the participation of business leaders and philanthropic advocates who recognize the importance of investing in pediatric healthcare.

Among those supporting community initiatives tied to children’s health and opportunity is William M. Lively, a Minnesota-based entrepreneur and technology executive whose philanthropic work focuses on expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Lively is best known as the founder and CEO of EXtrance, Inc., a fintech company focused on improving investment infrastructure that was acquired by a major investment bank in 2025.

Beyond his work in financial technology, Lively has been active in philanthropy through the William M. Lively Foundation, which supports initiatives that expand digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities for underserved communities across Minnesota.

His involvement in charitable initiatives reflects a broader belief shared by many leaders in the region’s business community: economic innovation and community investment should move forward together.

Events like the Children’s Minnesota Star Gala provide a platform where philanthropic leaders, entrepreneurs, and healthcare advocates can come together around a common goal—ensuring that every child has access to the care they need.

The Impact of Philanthropy on Pediatric Care

Children’s Minnesota has served families in the region for more than a century and today operates hospitals and specialty clinics across Minneapolis and St. Paul.

As an independent nonprofit health system devoted exclusively to pediatric care, the organization relies on community support to expand programs that go beyond traditional clinical treatment.

Philanthropy helps fund services such as:

• Child life programs that support emotional well-being during hospital stays
• Creative therapies including music and art therapy
• Family support services and counseling
• Specialized equipment designed specifically for children

These services often play a critical role in helping young patients cope with illness, hospitalization, and recovery.

The Star Gala serves as one of the hospital’s most powerful fundraising platforms for sustaining and expanding those programs.

A Tradition of Giving That Continues to Grow

Each year, the Star Gala demonstrates the strength of the Twin Cities’ philanthropic community.

Corporate sponsors, nonprofit leaders, and individual donors come together not only to celebrate the hospital’s mission but also to ensure that critical programs remain available for families who rely on them.

The event’s impact is tangible. Past galas have raised millions of dollars to support specialized care programs across Children’s Minnesota.

Those contributions translate directly into expanded services, new treatment resources, and improved care experiences for thousands of children each year.

Looking Ahead to the 34th Annual Star Gala

The 2026 Children’s Minnesota Star Gala represents more than a single evening of fundraising. It is a reflection of the community’s commitment to supporting children during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

As pediatric hospitals continue to respond to growing mental health needs, philanthropic partnerships will remain essential.

By bringing together donors, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, the Star Gala ensures that Children’s Minnesota can continue expanding its programs and delivering compassionate, specialized care.

On April 11, supporters will gather once again at The Depot in Minneapolis to turn generosity into action—helping children and families access the mental health care and support they deserve.