Friday night marked a special occasion – the annual Kids Thank You Halloween Costume Party, a heartwarming event benefiting the Children's Hospital of Appleton. This isn't my first time being part of this event, and I can't stress enough how truly important and impactful it is. The Children's Hospital does so many incredible things, and to play a small role in supporting their efforts is a feeling like no other. This year, the event celebrated its 25th anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes about the community's commitment to making a difference.

The evening got off to a bit of a rocky start, but it was our fearless organizer, Randy, who pulled everything back together with the help of an amazing team. Randy's dedication to this event and the Children's Hospital cause is nothing short of remarkable. His passion for giving back comes from his own personal story, a story that many others who participate in this event share. We all have one thing in common – our love for our children and the knowledge of just how important a place like Children's Hospital can be.

When your child is sick or when you fear for their well-being, a place like Children's Hospital becomes a lifeline. It's an experience you never forget, and it fuels our drive to support the hospital in any way we can.

This year, the event returned to the Hilton Paper Valley in Downtown Appleton. The fact that the hotel, along with the Infrared and Ask Your Mother bands, stepped up by not charging for the venue, is a testament to their commitment to the cause. It ensures that every dollar raised goes directly to Children's Hospital. Of course, we can't forget the incredible sponsors like Rookies Sports Bar and so many more as well as the amazing volunteers who make this event happen year after year.

The 25th-anniversary celebration was a blast, with attendees donning some fantastic costumes and enjoying live music that added to the festive atmosphere. Among the many heartwarming moments, one story stood out – that of Cassie Gerdin from Team USA, who placed fourth in the world in the 100-meter sprint rollerblading. Cassie was once a NICU baby at Children's Hospital, and her presence at the event was a testament to the impact the hospital has had on countless lives. She shared her story briefly, leaving an indelible mark on all who heard it.

As always, I did my best to capture the essence of the event through photos, from the incredible costumes to the outstanding band performances. A big thank you goes out to all the remarkable individuals who pour their hearts into making this event a reality. It's heartwarming to think about the lasting impact it will have on Children's Hospital, and I'm eager to do my part by sharing more of the incredible stories that revolve around this cherished institution.

In closing, the 25th Kids Thank You Halloween Costume Party was a reminder of the incredible power of community coming together for a greater good. The Children's Hospital of Appleton has changed lives, including mine, and events like this ensure that they can continue to do so for generations to come. I'm excited to see the lasting impact of this event and the difference it will make in the lives of those who need it most. Let's keep the spirit of giving alive!

I have a lot of pictures for you to check out as well as a video slideshow of all the photos or you can see all the pictures on the Wiparty Photo Gallery.