The Red Heart Ball on Feb. 14 raised nearly $500,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley. Photo by Dillmore Portraits via RMHCCV

The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Central Valley celebrated its 16th annual Red Heart Ball last Friday, raising nearly half-a-million dollars to support families with critically ill children at nearby Valley Children’s Hospital.

The event saw more than 500 of the Valley’s philanthropic leaders gather, demonstrating their generosity and commitment to providing assistance to those in need in the Central Valley.

The event was headlined by the presentation of the Heart of the House Award, honoring individuals and organizations that “go above and beyond for RMHC families.” The nonprofit awarded The Frank & Evelyn Schmidt Family Foundation and The Business Journal, both donors to RMHC, recognizing the two recipients as examples to the philanthropic community.

“This award isn’t just about financial contributions—it’s about love, dedication, and creating a lasting impact,” said Kent Karsevar, Executive Director of RMHC Central Valley. “We are incredibly grateful to The Frank & Evelyn Schmidt Family Foundation and The Business Journal for their unwavering commitment to the families we serve.”

The funds raised from the event will help support families staying at RMHC Central Valley, providing essential services, meals and other necessities while their children undergo treatment.

“The success of this year’s event reinforces the community’s dedication to keeping families close during their most challenging times,” RMHC Central Valley said in a news release Wednesday.