In the spring of 1998, two SIDS parents, along with a group of committed volunteers and advocates, held the very first Windflower Ball, a fundraising event that supported programs in the area of SIDS research and education.

Beginning in 2004, the Windflower Ball was hosted by First Candle to benefit First Candle’s key programs of public and professional education, research, advocacy and family support services.

This gala event brings together a distinguished array of individuals, corporations and health professionals with a common goal – a future where all babies survive and thrive. 

Past honorees have included Gerber Products Company, Rick Markee and Babies”R”Us, leaders in the baby and parenting education media representing American Baby magazine, Babycenter.com, and iVillage Parenting Network; as well as researchers from the Children’s National Medical Center, Columbia and Harvard Universities.

In 2007, First Candle honored the Colleen Barrett, COO of Southwest Airlines, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, as well as stillbirth researcher, Dr. Roberto Romero of NICHD.