Once upon a time, more than 600 guests stepped into a magical evening at the Rhode Island Convention Center for the Hasbro Children’s Heroes Ball to celebrate the real-life heroes whose stories inspire hope and healing. Inspired donors raised over $1.25 million in support of Hasbro Children’s mission, with $390,000 benefiting the evening’s fund-a-need, focused on advancing pediatric pulmonary care.
Against a backdrop of twinkling lights and whimsical décor, and under the leadership of event chair Denise Chakoian, the event honored the strength of Hasbro Children’s patients, the dedication of its caregivers, and the generosity of a community committed to ensuring every child’s story has the chance for a happy ending.
The evening unfolded like a fairy tale brought to life. As guests took their seats, BalletRI dancers gracefully moved through the crowd before taking center stage, delivering a mesmerizing performance of Peter and the Wolf that set the tone for an evening of wonder and celebration.
Brown University Health Chairman Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr. welcomed and thanked everyone who made the night possible including presenting sponsors Hasbro, Inc. and IGT. Sarah Frost, Chief of Hospital Operations and President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s (shown in photo with 2025 Champion Child Cullen), then took the stage for her first Heroes Ball. Reflecting on the power of storytelling—both those stories already written and those still unfolding—she welcomed the evening’s first special guests: patients and families whose journeys embody resilience, innovation, and hope.
One by one, they shared how Hasbro Children’s shaped their lives:
- Sarah, once a college student navigating cystic fibrosis, found both medical support and resilience at Hasbro Children’s. That care helped her earn a PhD in transplant psychology.
- 2024 Champion Child London and her mother, Crystal, recalled how early intervention and rehabilitation helped London defy expectations. Once told she would never walk due to spina bifida, London is now a thriving ten-year-old, black belt, and soccer player.
- Richard and Donte, a father-son duo, shared their multi-generational journey. Richard battled pediatric cancer, and years later, Donte overcame both cancer and a rare brain infection, relearning how to walk, talk, and regain independence.
- Josh, a high school senior with spina bifida, has faced surgeries and breathing challenges but refuses to slow down. With Hasbro Children’s by his side, he stays strong, active, and pursues his passion for singing and performing.
Each story was a testament to the power of modern medicine, compassionate care, and resilience, closing with, “We are grateful Hasbro Children’s is a part of our story.”
Professional auctioneer Tom Stebbins led a lively auction filled with extraordinary experiences and luxury items. Guests eagerly placed bids on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including a Formula One race and getaway experience; a one-week stay at a private villa in Porto, Portugal; and the ultimate Boston Red Sox experience, featuring VIP access to Fenway Park, exclusive club seats, and the chance for a Hasbro Children’s patient to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.
The room buzzed with excitement as an unexpected auction item was unveiled—a guitar autographed by the legendary Taylor Swift, generously donated by Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr. Guests couldn’t “Shake It Off” as the competition for this piece of memorabilia had bidders saying, "You Belong With Me."
The 2025 Hasbro Children’s Heroes Ball
Special moments from the 2025 Heroes Ball, Once Upon a Time.
2025 Hasbro Children's Heroes Ball: Meet DJ
Born prematurely at 20 weeks and weighing only 1 lb. 2 oz, DJ received the intensive care he needed from his interdisciplinary care team at Hasbro Children's. His grateful mom says he is happy, thriving, and they look forward to the removal of his tracheostomy tube in the future.
After dinner, 60 children from the Rhode Island Children’s Chorus took the stage, filling the room with a stunning performance of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman and “For Good” from Wicked—their voices a moving tribute to the community’s generosity and the lives forever changed because of it.
One of the most poignant moments of the evening came during the fund-a-need benefiting Hasbro Children’s pediatric pulmonary department. Pediatrician-in-chief Phyllis Dennery, MD, introduced the segment, sharing how the pediatric pulmonology team provides life-changing care to children facing complex respiratory challenges.
Before the auctioneer solicited pledges, guests watched a powerful video about young DJ and his mother, Matricial, who relocated from South Dakota to access the specialized care available at Hasbro Children’s. Brown University Health employee and patient mom, Lenka Casey, followed, sharing how Hasbro Children’s saved her infant son, Jasper. Now almost seven years old, Jasper joined his mother on stage, drawing cheers and smiles from the crowd.
During the fund-a-need segment, Jasper continued to delight guests, high-fiving donors, while 2025 Champion Child Cullen took on an impromptu auctioneer role, calling out numbers alongside Tom Stebbins.
The fund-a-need also delivered some of the night’s most exciting moments. As pledges climbed, Tom challenged the room: would someone step up with $25,000 to reach $100,000? One guest raised the stakes, pledging $33,000 and calling on others to match. Hasbro, Inc. added to the momentum with a $50,000 match, reinforcing the night’s spirit of collective impact and unwavering support for Hasbro Children’s.
To bring the program to a close, Sarah Frost and Cullen returned to the stage for a special reading of Goodnight Heroes, a heartfelt adaptation of Goodnight Moon that recapped the evening and paid tribute to the patients, caregivers, and supporters who make Hasbro Children’s extraordinary. Before guests took to the dance floor, Cullen and Sarah Frost joined Dr. Dennery, Francois Luks, MD, PhD, Tracey Wallace on stage, surprising guests with their musical talents while the event’s live band, Sugarbabies, provided the soundtrack for a joyous and unforgettable performance.