More than 320 supporters gathered at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes on May 27 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sound Start Babies and honor Dr. Laura S. McKirdy as the 2026 HEAR-o of the Year. The event raised more than $400,000 in support of life-changing early intervention programs for New Jersey infants and toddlers with hearing loss.
The milestone event marked the most successful fundraiser in the organization’s history, highlighted by two record-setting gifts of $30,000 made during the live appeal. The extraordinary generosity of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners underscored a shared commitment to ensuring that every child has a “sound start” and the opportunity to thrive.
Throughout the evening, guests heard inspiring stories from families whose lives have been transformed through Sound Start Babies’ programs, including high school senior and Sound Start alumnus Jayden Rosenfeld. Reflecting on his upcoming graduation and transition to college, Jayden shared, “I know there will be challenges, but I also know I’ve been preparing for them my whole life, and I thank Sound Start Babies for playing such an important role in my journey.”
Attendees also joined in recognizing co-founder and 2026 HEAR-o of the Year Dr. Laura McKirdy for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and dedication to advancing opportunities for children with hearing loss.
“Sound Start Babies was started by an incredible group of determined volunteers and parents. There were no public education funds available to provide the care needed at this critical juncture and so the foundation sought to fill that funding gap,” shared Dr. McKirdy.
“It is frustrating that we have clear data showing the results of early intervention for babies with hearing loss, and yet we continue to need to fundraise to support our work. There are so many other things each of you could be doing this evening, and I extend my sincere thanks to you for taking the time to be here for us and our babies.”
Since its founding in Mountain Lakes in 1996, Sound Start Babies has empowered thousands of children and families through specialized early intervention services, family support programs, and its award-winning inclusive nursery program. Funds raised through the Benefit will help ensure these critical services remain accessible to families throughout New Jersey.
The organization extends its sincere appreciation to all event sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, and supporters whose generosity made the evening possible. Special recognition is extended to the event’s Executive Producer and A-Lister Sponsors: Stephanie and Russell Deyo, The Afonso Foundation, Darwill, Inc., FinPro, Inc., Leonard and Elizabeth LoBiondo, the McKirdy Family, Alex and Jackie Mitchell, Joff and Cathy Mitchell, MLM Hearing, Barbara A. Pelson, PNC Private Bank, and Jonathan and Ana Weizman.
For more information about Sound Start Babies and its programs, visit soundstartbabies.org.
About Sound Start Babies
Sound Start Babies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing life-changing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with hearing loss so that they may develop language, speech, and communication skills commensurate with those of their hearing peers. Through a one-of-a-kind inclusive nursery program, in-home intervention, and telehealth services, we ensure these babies receive the highest-quality, research-validated educational services and that their parents and caregivers have the information, strategies, and support needed to foster this development throughout childhood.
