Kids and families of UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital were celebrated through a fundraiser in a circus-theme gala at the Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center on Saturday night.

“It’s fun and exciting; it’s a way to raise money but also to have a really fun night,” Lauren Dixon, CEO of Dixon Schwabl Advertising, said. “The evening is all about our kids and supporting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with purchasing 20 more NIRS (a special type of oxygen monitor, for children in the hospital’s intensive care units).”

Presented by The Cabot Group, "Under the Big Top" was the circus theme of the evening, which included colorful décor, gourmet dining, a live and silent auction, and dancing to a live bands performance by Sixwire (from the TV show Nashville).

“Golisano Children’s Hospital; there’s nothing better to have in our community than this world class organization,” Mike Schwabl, President of Dixon Schwabl Advertising, stated.

Over 1,000 guests generously gave donations through their sponsorships while also bidding on the silent/live auction items.

Last year, the gala raised $750,000 for hospital patients and their families.

This year, coordinators presume it’ll raise a lot more.