WASHINGTON -- The Nationals raised nearly $400,000 at their annual Dream Gala on Saturday night at the Marriott Marquis. The 12th annual event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Dream Foundation, and the money raised will support initiatives focused on academics, arts, nutrition and sports for children and teens in the Washington region.
The Nationals players, coaches and personnel headed to the event after Saturday's game against the Rangers to enjoy a cocktail reception, silent auction, diner and live auction with guests.

Among the items auctioned off was a VIP package to the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a chance to join the Nationals on a road trip and a vacation at Half Moon Resort in Jamaica.
Through the years, the Dream Gala has netted more than $5 million for the foundation. This year's event, which was emceed by ESPN anchor Lindsay Czarniak, also featured the inaugural "Power of Baseball" award presented by the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. Nationals manager Dusty Baker and scholar-athlete Jayla Hines presented the award to Ross Eisenman, a mentor at the Youth Baseball Academy, for his commitment to improving the lives of the academy's scholar-athletes.