November is nestled between Halloween festivities and the busyness of December celebrations. It is a time for thankful acknowledgments of all that we have and gathering for shared meals. In the spirit of thankfulness, Dayton Children’s Hospital partners with local groups to fundraise and give back to the community.
A common medical mantra is that kids are not little adults. Children’s care requires specialized expertise, sound knowledge and most importantly, a gentle nature for kids and reassuring communication with parents.
“Our mission is to be there for those kids and families no matter what, with whatever they need to make sure every child receives care that’s just as special as they are,” emphasizes Jena Pado, CFRE, vice president, chief development officer for Dayton Children's. “There truly is not an area of the hospital that is not impacted by our generous community of donors.”
Several upcoming fundraisers will benefit specific areas of care. The Ezra J. Hartke Race for Hope will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 16 at Kyle Park in Tipp City.
Ezra was diagnosed with a brain tumor at three years old and passed away when he was four. Nearly 4,700 children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year.
Ezra’s family was touched and humbled by the support they received during Ezra’s care, and they were determined to give back. The race is sponsored by the Berry and Denise Johnson Foundation (Ezra’s grandparents) and in six years, the Race for Hope has raised more than $90,000 for Dayton Children’s and pediatric brain tumor research.
“Specifically, the Race for Hope supports the Living Biobank at Dayton Children’s and its work in pediatric tumor research,” Jena notes. The Living Biobank is a worldwide partnership for scientists to gain knowledge about what happens inside a tumor and how tumors use energy to grow.
Another upcoming event is the popular Sugarplum Festival of Trees, which will be held from 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 through noon on Nov. 10 at American Legion Post #598 in Kettering. This festival is entering its 57th year and is sponsored by Terrific Women in Giving (TWIGs).
The event kicks off with Swigs with TWIGs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 8. Holiday trees, auction baskets, food trucks, an ugly sweater contest, a 50/50 raffle, craft beer and wine tastings, an online auction and more will be part of the evening. The fun continues with the holiday extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 9. Visits with Santa are open 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.
A boutique will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Kettering Holiday Arts & Craft Show. This event is free and the boutique will feature handmade items and baked goods in the Lathrem Senior Center. The Sugarplum Festival raises more than $100,000 annually and involves over 200 volunteers. The funds raised at the events support children who receive mental health care through Dayton Children’s.
Other fundraising opportunities include:
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The Little Exchange Holiday Hope for Kids: The community boutique is hosting an online auction Oct. 30 through Nov. 3.
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Giving Tuesday: Held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (12/3), all donations (up to $25,000) will be matched by Boom Crate.
“We know that kids will never stop needing our care, and that’s why we’ve committed to do more to help all kids thrive in our community and beyond,” Jena explains. “Dayton Children’s recently announced our Do. More. campaign, working to raise $75 million by June 30, 2025, to elevate mental health, advance care for kids and remove barriers to care.”
For more information about upcoming events, visit ChildrensDayton.org/Events.
“Our mission is to be there for those kids and families no matter what, with whatever they need.”