In the spring of 1998, Esmeralda and Hugh Williamson-Noble, 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, still chaired by the Williamson-Nobles, to benefit First Candle’s key programs of public and professional education, research, advocacy and family support services.

Past honorees have included Gerber Products Company, Rick Markee and Babies”R”Us, as well as researchers from the Children’s National Medical Center and Harvard University.