#United States #New York #R Baby Foundation #COPE Foundation #Cirquetacular

A Night to Remember: Raising Funds for Pediatric Emergency Care

On October 21, 2026, New York City hosted a remarkable event, the Cirquetacular Gala, co-hosted by the R Baby Foundation and the COPE Foundation. This spectacular gathering of 500 guests at Capitale aimed to honor families who have turned tragedy into action. The gala successfully raised nearly $2 million to ensure that emergency rooms across America are adequately prepared for the challenges of pediatric care and to provide vital support for families coping with the loss of a child.

Honoring Commitment and Courage

Emceed by the dynamic FOX 5 New York anchor Tina Cervasio, the evening was a testament to resilience and commitment. Guests included influential figures such as Jesse Bongiovi, co-founder of Hampton Water Rosé, alongside a special recorded introduction by the talented Sheryl Crow. This gathering marked a significant moment, celebrating two decades since the establishment of the R Baby Foundation by Phyllis and Andrew Rabinowitz, motivated by the heartbreaking loss of their nine-day-old daughter, Rebecca, in an unprepared emergency room.

Phyllis Rabinowitz poignantly reflected on that harrowing experience, stating, "Twenty years ago, we walked into an emergency room with our daughter and walked out without her. Last night, 500 people stood with us and said that should never happen to another family. We will not stop until every ER in America is ready for every child." This powerful declaration encapsulated the evening’s mission and the ongoing struggle for improved pediatric emergency care.

Recognizing the Heroes

The evening recognized outstanding contributions to the cause, where Chinh Chu received the Visionary Award for his commitment to enhancing children's emergency services. Libby and Scooter Weintraub were honored with the Courage Award in memory of their daughter, Magnolia Grace. The night also featured an aerial performance that wowed the audience, along with a live auction that further boosted the fundraising efforts.

Andrew Rabinowitz, co-founder and co-president of the R Baby Foundation, expressed gratitude for the support from various stakeholders, acknowledging two decades of partnership with physicians, institutions, and families dedicated to bettering children's health care. "The support we've received reflects two decades of partnership with the physicians, institutions, sponsors, and families who have made R Baby Foundation's work possible," he said, emphasizing the importance of the community in this mission.

The Dire Need for Change

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the gala underscored a pressing crisis in pediatric healthcare. Annually, 2,100 children lose their lives in emergency rooms that lack the necessary preparedness for pediatric care. Disturbingly, about 83% of U.S. emergency departments are ill-equipped to handle pediatric emergencies, despite the fact that around 30 million pediatric ER visits occur each year. Proven solutions exist, including a National Pediatric Readiness checklist developed by medical experts, which could dramatically improve outcomes for young patients at minimal costs. Unfortunately, these measures are not yet mandated by law.

Since its inception, the R Baby Foundation has raised over $18 million and trained more than 6,500 physicians across 1,000 hospitals in recognizing and treating pediatric emergencies. It has also established INSPIRE, the world’s largest pediatric simulation-based research network and built a coalition of leading medical institutions that together positively impact over a million children each year. Advocacy efforts have contributed to the establishment of pediatric readiness laws in states like Texas, Florida, and Utah, with growing momentum toward federal action through the Babies' and Children's Emergency Care Act (BECA).

Supporting Grieving Families

COPE Foundation, founded by Lillian Julien after the tragic loss of her daughter Michelle in 1992, complements the R Baby Foundation’s mission by offering profound support to families undergoing similar grief. In 2025 alone, COPE served over 1,100 families through professionally facilitated support groups and innovative healing programs such as Camp COPE NY.

Lillian Julien expressed her deep appreciation during the gala, stating, "The generosity in that room will carry families through the hardest days of their lives. On behalf of COPE and every parent, sibling, and child we serve, thank you to R Baby Foundation, our honorees, our sponsors, and every guest who made this event possible."

Proceeds from this memorable night will directly benefit R Baby's pediatric emergency readiness programs and COPE's grief support services. It is a reminder that through collective efforts and unwavering dedication, we can turn tragedy into hope, ensuring no family has to face such devastating losses alone.

For more details, media inquiries, or to connect with representatives from R Baby Foundation or COPE Foundation, please reach out to Jessica Buono at Pitch Parlor PR.