Miracles for Kids raised more than $4 million at its 22nd annual Night of Miracles Gala on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club.
The sold-out event drew 500 guests in formal attire to the resort's lawn at sunset, where larger-than-life roaming angels greeted attendees and Bugatti and Ferrari sports cars lined the entrance, according to Newport Beach Living Magazine. Nearly 200 silent auction items were on display, and guests could purchase opportunity tickets for a 65.74-carat diamond tennis necklace valued at $45,000.
The record total was the biggest night ever for the Irvine-based nonprofit, which supports families with critically ill children. The fundraising broke down this way: $2,388,000 through the Fund-a-Need program, $539,000 from the live auction and $50,100 from the diamond necklace raffle. Presenting sponsor Sequel Brands matched $1,201,000 raised in the room dollar for dollar.
"Raising more than $4 million allows us to continue providing financial support, housing, wellness services, basic needs, and stability to patients and their families, so they can focus on what matters most: their child's health," said Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids.
Sequel Brands founder and CEO Anthony Geisler, a longtime supporter of the nonprofit, said the record-breaking total reflected the community's generosity and that his company was honored to contribute.
The gala honored Quy "Q" Nguyen as the 2026 Miracle Maker. Nguyen, founder and CEO of Allyance Communications, has supported Miracles for Kids for 17 years. He teared up during his acceptance speech and received two standing ovations.
The Zarate family was recognized as the 2026 Miracles for Kids Family. Jayden Zarate was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia at age 5, and the nonprofit provided his family housing assistance, basic necessities and ongoing support. Jayden is in remission but continues daily oral chemotherapy, the OC Register reported. His mother now faces her own leukemia diagnosis.
Merge Opportunities, led by founder Barry Vince and Executive Director Erin Earlywine, received the 2026 Champion of Children honor for its three-year partnership connecting family members with education and employment resources.
Inside the ballroom, 23-year-old vocalist Carolina Rial opened the show by singing "A Million Dreams" as children from the program joined her onstage holding signs with their dreams for the future. Grammy Award-winning singer Ashanti closed the night with a 30-minute set that included "Foolish," "Rock Wit U" and "Always on Time," joined by two dancers. Actor and iHeartRadio personality Manny "Streetz" Guevara returned as emcee.
The 2027 Night of Miracles Gala is set for Oct. 30, 2027.
