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An Evening of Inspiration, Celebration, and Record-Breaking Support

May 29, 2025

The Emily K Center’s fourteenth annual Mother’s Day Ball was an unforgettable evening, raising more than $580,000 in support of the Emily K Center – a record-breaking total! Held at the Washington Duke Inn, the Ball welcomed more than 400 community members who came together to celebrate and hear inspiring stories from the Center’s students and leaders. 

The evening featured remarks from Founder and Board Chair, Coach Mike Krzyzewski, and a heartfelt tribute to our outgoing CEO, Adam Eigenrauch, honoring his remarkable 19 years of service to the Center.   

Guests also heard from two amazing student speakers. Genesis, a fifth-grade student in our Pioneer Scholars program, lit up the room with her enthusiasm and love for learning. Chidera, a high school senior in our Scholars to College program, shared his journey and announced his plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill in the fall. Their stories were a powerful reminder of what is possible when students are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. 

Special thanks to auctioneer Leland Little for energizing the crowd during our live auction and fund-a-need, to our Advancement Committee for planning such a meaningful celebration, and to the many businesses and individuals who helped to make the Ball such a success. Because of the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we exceeded our fundraising goal, ensuring continued support for our students and programs.  

A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Presenting Sponsor" in white text. Below, the Alexndria Real Estate logo is displayed featuring a graphic of a lighthouse.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Presenting Sponsor" in white text. Below, the Duke Health logo is displayed.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Presenting Sponsor" in white text. Below, the words "Douglas and Stefanie Kahn" are displayed.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Presenting Sponsor" in white text. Below, the words "The Krzyzewski Family" are displayed.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Presenting Sponsor" in white text. Below, the Nuna logo is displayed.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below the words "Ben & Zena Alman in Recognition of" are listed in bold black text followed by the Duke Orthopaedic Surgery logo.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below, the EmergeOrtho Charitable Fund logo is displayed with a blue and orange heart shape.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below, the Jewelsmith logo is displayed with a minimalistic jewelry design.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below, the RTI International logo is displayed featuring a blue swirl design.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below, the Tradeweb logo is displayed with a blue and navy star dotted-star shape design.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below, Below, the logo of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is featured, including a detailed black and white crest with birds and a chevron design, alongside the establishment's name in an elegant serif font.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below, the words "Jim & Susan Yuschak" is displayed in bold black font.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Diamond Sponsor" in white text. Below, the RBC Wealth Management: The McCarthy Wealth Group logo is displayed.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads 'Gold Sponsors' in white text. Below, the words "Patrick & Emily Bryant" are displayed in bold black font. Below, the Duke Neurosurgery logo is displayed.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads 'Gold Sponsors' in white text. Below, there is the logo for Duke Street Pediatric Dentistry logo featuring three colorful seahorses. Below that are the names "David & Susan Hackett" in a bold black font.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads 'Gold Sponsors' in white text. Below, there are two sponsor logos: on the left, the J.A.B Produce logo featuring a green background with an illustration of leafy greens and white text. On the right, the Kilwins logo is displayed, featuring the brand name with the words 'Chocolates, Fudge, Ice Cream' underneath and an ornate decorative design below the text. Below the logos are the words "Drs Mara Becker & Keith J. Mann" are displayed in bold black font.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below the words "Ben & Zena Alman in Recognition of" are listed in bold black text followed by the Duke Orthopaedic Surgery logo.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads 'Gold Sponsors' in white text. Below are the names "Drs. Manesh and Sallie Patel" and "Dr. David Harpole & Ms. Karen Rabenau" in bold black text.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Gold Sponsors" in white text. Below, the name "Susan Sabsiton" is displayed in bold black text followed by the SVN Real Estate Associates logo featuring three navy blue columns surrounded by an orange swoosh.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Silver Sponsors" in white text. Below, two logos are shown: Bordeaux Construction Company, Inc. (a red 'B' with a shadow effect and the company name in red text) and Fink’s Jewelers (black cursive logo)
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Platinum Sponsor" in white text. Below, the logos of two sponsors are centered on a white background: "Thrive Film Co." with a stylized "T" logo, and "Wells Fargo Advisors," featuring the Wells Fargo logo in gold alongside the word "Advisors" in black text.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Bronze Sponsors" in white text. Below, the names of bronze sponsors are listed in black text: CT Wilson Construction Co., Inc., Duke Sports Medicine, and Durham Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Bronze Sponsors" in white text. Below, the names of bronze sponsors are listed in black text: Durham Distillery, Hubrich Contracting Inc., Steve Hubrich & Christina Catani.
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Bronze Sponsors" in white text. Below, the names of bronze sponsors are listed in black text: Kennon Craver, PLLC, Dana Lange, and Atty. David & Mrs. LaShana Morris
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads "Bronze Sponsors" in white text. Below, the names of bronze sponsors are listed in black text: Triangle Media Partners and Alice Lockhart & Tom White
A sponsorship recognition graphic with a green header that reads 'Gold Sponsors' in white text. Below are the names "Ann M. Reed and John Paat" in bold black text. Below the names is the Pappas Capital logo is displayed featuring a check mark in fading blue dots.

Watch the video below to see highlights from the 2025 Mother’s Day Ball!