FALL 2014
Your impact Every day, life-saving work happens at Children’s. From performing record-breaking heart transplants to treating broken bones, we are proud to bring high-quality pediatric care close to home for the patients and families who need us. Featured in this issue is the story of Angelica Hale, an
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Board of Trustees
effervescent and tremendously talented young girl whose
Thomas M. Holder, Chairman
extraordinary—and an everyday example of the important role
Douglas K. Garges, Vice Chairman Doug Black
Scott MacLellan
W. Paul Bowers
Jack Markwalter Jr.
Virginia Feltus Brewer
Nicholas McKay
Robert W. Bruce Jr., M.D.
Richard J. McKay
James A. Carlos
John L. Montag
Jack Cay IV
Allison Moran
Patricia L. Dickey
Ira L. Moreland
David H. Fagin, M.D.
William C. Pate
Kristine Faulkner
Beatriz Perez
James D. Fortenberry, M.D.
Nancy E. Rafuse
Adam T. Fuller
Christy Roberts
Tom Giddens
Lovette Russell
Eugene A. Hayes III
Cameron Sherrill
Donna W. Hyland
John L. Simms II
Mary Ellen Imlay
Scott Slade
Mark Kauffman
Tyler Woolson
severe case of pneumonia led to a life-threatening health journey. Angelica’s parents brought her to Children’s, where she was immediately given the specialized care she desperately needed and that ultimately saved her life. Angelica’s story is that Children’s plays in the lives of kids. I am happy to report that today, Angelica is back to doing what she loves most: singing. In fact, she has recently auditioned for several Broadway musicals and performed at events and festivals throughout Atlanta. You, our donors, have played a tremendous role in making stories like Angelica’s possible. Thank you. This year, Children’s has focused on putting our new strategy in motion by building upon our vision of broadening access to pediatric care to kids throughout the state of Georgia. We believe that every child deserves Children’s, and we are deeply appreciative for the support the community has provided as we continue on our mission of making kids like Angelica better today and healthier tomorrow. Sincerely,
Thomas M. Holder Chairman, Board of Trustees Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation P.S.: Small Wonders is truly a publication for you, our donors and volunteers. As we begin planning for next year’s issues, we invite you to participate in a short survey to help ensure that we are sharing the stories and updates you want to hear. Please visit choa.org/swsurvey to give us your feedback.
2
Contents
4
When you believe For Angelica Hale, a second chance at life has meant a second chance to follow her dreams.
Mission To make kids better today and healthier tomorrow. As a not-for-profit organization, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta pledges to direct the greatest portion of
8
A family’s support For the Sullivan family, supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is a way of life.
community gifts to serving patients and their families. To that end, we produced this report in-house, using the most cost-efficient paper and printing techniques. This book is printed
14
Paul Amos “Mr. Paul” made it no secret that he loved the Aflac Cancer Center, and he spread that love to the Aflac Field Force.
on paper containing a minimum of 10 percent post-consumer waste and is manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner. We encourage you to recycle this magazine
10
Around Children’s
12
Highlights and happenings
16
Major and legacy gifts
18
Friends around town
22
Mark your calendar
or pass it along to friends so they can learn about Children’s. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 800-435-7352 WITHIN THIS STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRATION NUMBER CH 32240.
3
When you
4
believ
ve
When she was just three years old, Angelica Hale’s parents, James and Eva, began to notice their daughter singing beautifully from the backseat, in perfect tune with the pop songs on the radio. Her talent soon became evident to others when she began memorizing and singing standards like “God Bless America.” “We were parents just starting to see a glimmer of talent—that maybe there’s something there,” James said. But a year and a half of intense, life-changing medical challenges kept the parents from exploring their daughter’s gift. When Angelica fell ill in 2012 at age 5, she was rushed to the Emergency Department at Scottish Rite hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia. Her lungs had begun to bleed into her abdomen, and she developed sepsis, a serious blood infection that devastated her kidneys. Facing triple organ failure, Angelica was transported by helicopter to Egleston hospital, home to one of the Southeast’s few extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) centers. She was put on ECMO for 12 days that “felt like a lifetime,” James said. The heart and lung bypass machine took over her lung function, giving her damaged organs time to heal before surgery. “We thought we were going to lose our daughter,” James said. “We had no idea how long this journey would be.” After a successful lung surgery, Angelica was placed on dialysis but was eventually discharged. The transition was tough, and she was still very fragile, but her family was happy to have her home.
5
As she began to heal, Angelica asked for
“She’s up there and people don’t even know
singing lessons. Her parents responded
her tremendous story or what she’s faced,”
enthusiastically. “A lot of times, you see your
James said. “She wowed the entire crowd and
child doing something awesome, and you
all the judges.” From that point on, the Hales
never act on it,” James said. “Having come so
knew Angelica’s talent was the real thing.
close to losing her, we wanted to explore her talent and see just how far we could go with it.”
Before she could continue her singing career, however, Angelica would have to face
Vocal coach Trisha Gray at Sing Like a Star
one more surgery. Though she had been
Studios was impressed with the talent Angelica
recovering for a year, her kidneys were still
brought to the table, and she agreed to start
scarred, and she would need a transplant to
teaching and working with the young prodigy.
fully recover. The family returned to Children’s, home to one of the largest pediatric kidney
6
While still on dialysis, Angelica performed
transplant programs in the country. They had
in front of a crowd for the first time in March
faith in the hospital, and they knew there was
2013, singing “A Part of Your World” from The
no place better for them to be. “Angelica is
Little Mermaid. A few months later, she was
definitely attached at the hip to Children’s,”
competing on a festival stage in Duluth, and
James said. “Without Children’s, Angelica
she took home first place in her age group.
wouldn’t have made it this far.”
The Carlos and James and Eva were tested, and they found that Eva was a near-perfect match to donate a kidney to her daughter. In September of 2012,
Marguerite Mason Trust
Angelica received her mother’s kidney and recovered swiftly. “It was like night and day. Our daughter totally bounced back,” James said.
Formed in 1991, the Carlos and Marguerite Mason
Just a month after her transplant, Angelica was
Trust is one of the largest supporters of the Children’s
headlining a black-tie Make-A-Wish gala at the
Transplant Program and, along with other generous
Georgia Aquarium, spreading her inspirational
trusts, enables Children’s to provide high-quality care
message to hundreds of enthralled listeners.
to kids needing transplants in our community. To date,
“This illness didn’t break her,” James said. “It
the trust has given more than $11 million of support
did the opposite. If she hadn’t gotten sick, we
to Children’s, and the Children’s Transplant Center
wouldn’t have pursued this dream of hers, and
bears the Mason’s name.
she wouldn’t be inspiring others now.” Carlos Mason and his wife, Marguerite, were lifelong
In the summer of 2014, Angelica had the chance
Atlanta residents who owned a soft-goods store near
to work with the Broadway Dreams Foundation,
where the Five Points Marta Station is now. When
a week-long intensive course where students
Carlos passed away in 1955, Marguerite took control
learn from actual Broadway choreographers
of the estate. Before her death in 1991, she arranged
and put on a show. Angelica was such a hit that
for the formation of a trust in their name.
she was invited to participate in the Broadway Dreams Philadelphia performance, winning a
The trust is singular in its focus: improve the process
scholarship graciously provided by the cast of
of organ transplantation for low-income Georgia
“If/Then” on Broadway. At the end of the week,
residents. The trust distributes grants to 501(c)(3)
Angelica received a standing ovation.
organizations located in Georgia that can provide financial assistance to underprivileged Georgia
“She’s so inspiring. She absolutely lights up a room,” James said. “She made a roomful of
residents requiring transplants of eyes, kidneys, hearts and other organs.
strangers in Philadelphia fall in love with her, and they don’t even know her whole story. And
Marguerite was adamant that the trust only give
when they do find out, they’re speechless.”
grants to qualified Georgia non-profits that make it a priority to provide medical care to recipients
The Hale family credits the lifesaving care
who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Funds
Angelica received at Children’s to her ability
like this directly benefit patients’ needs, enabling
to pursue her dream of singing. “Without
Children’s to provide high-quality transplantation
Children’s,” James said, “her story would
procedures to the children who need them most.
have ended a lot sooner.”
7
8
A family’s support After their daughter, Katie, became a frequent patient because of her severe migraines, the Sullivan family discovered firsthand just how truly unique Children’s is. “We were scared. It’s always a tough time when you don’t know what’s going on with
Annual Fund Committee to help promote fundraising and recruit new donors.
your child,” Katie’s father, Andrew, said. “But we had a nurse who really took care of us.
As the family’s dedication and support has
Every night she did more research on her
grown, so has their creativity and desire to
own and came in and shared it with us.”
help out in exciting new ways. Together with his firm, Sullivan and Schliemann, Andrew
Because of their fantastic experience, the
helped establish the Clays for Kids sporting
Sullivans wanted to help ensure other families
clay tournament in 2012.
would benefit from such extraordinary care. “We started giving back as soon as we became
“My son and I are big sporting clay shooters,
regulars,” Andrew said. “You become
so we decided to take something we were
attached to the whole organization—from the
passionate about and use it to raise money for
staff and patients to all the technology and
Children’s,” Andrew said. Now in its third year,
medical miracles taking place on every floor.”
the annual Clays for Kids tournament raises thousands of dollars to benefit Children’s and
Andrew and his wife, Donna, joined Will’s
the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Club and Hope’s Circle, respectively. Hope’s Circle and Will’s Club are giving societies
Andrew and his family are grateful that
for female and male donors who receive
they’ve had the opportunity to touch so many
special invitations to Children’s events and
children’s lives. Andrew encourages potential
exclusive volunteer opportunities. The
donors to become more involved, even in
Sullivan’s 17-year-old son, Drew, is the
the smallest of ways. “I’ve set up folks to visit
youngest member of Will’s Club and writes
Marcus Autism Center or to go on a behind-
his own check for the annual dues.
the-scenes tour of the hospital,” Andrew said. “If you can get people to come see the
An enthusiastic and tireless supporter,
miracles that are happening, you’re going to
Andrew also serves on the Foundation’s
get them hooked on the Children’s mission.”
Visit choa.org/annualfund to learn more. 9
Around Children’s Excavating invasive brain tumors Earlier this year, researchers at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University announced a groundbreaking advancement in treating previously inoperable brain tumors. A new technique allows researchers to transport cancer cells using nanotechnology to a new location on the surface of the skull. Details of the technique were reported in the Feb. 16 edition of Nature Materials. Researchers have also learned to hijack the way malignant cells spread throughout the brain by following nerve fibers and blood vessels and using them to draw cancer cells to the surface of the brain, where they are led to chemotherapeutic reservoirs. Instead of invading new areas of the brain, the migrating cancer cells latch onto specially designed nanofibers and follow them to a location—potentially outside the brain—where they can be captured and killed. Barun Brahma, M.D., and Tobey MacDonald, M.D., of Children’s are collaborating with Ravi V. Bellamkonda, Ph.D., of Georgia Tech and Emory, on this exciting research. Visit choa.org/btfund to learn more and support this research.
Saydee Najarro named Comeback Athlete of the Year After a concussion forced her to miss a month of softball, Saydee Najarro came back to the game even more excited to play. She didn’t let the injury slow her down for long. The 9-year-old’s dedication to her favorite sport impressed more than just her family and teammates. Following a two-week voting period at the beginning of May, Saydee was named the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 2013-2014 Comeback Athlete of the Year. She won the title over seven other athletes who received treatment for a variety of injuries and illnesses at Children’s. Visit choa.org/comeback to learn more about these tough kids.
10
Atlanta magazine names top doctors Sixty physicians included in the 2014 Top Doctors of Atlanta list in the July issue of Atlanta magazine are associated with Children’s. The annual list is compiled by Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd., a healthcare research and information company. Children’s physicians were listed in 23 specialty areas, including cardiology, dermatology, hematology, medical oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, pulmonology, surgery and urology, among others.
Children’s receives first Enduring Hearts grant to support heart transplant research
Children’s ranked among nation’s best
Enduring Hearts, a non-profit organization that awards operating grants
Children’s ranked in
to established members of academic staff at universities, transplant
each of U.S.News &
centers and research institutes for projects in organ transplantation,
World Report’s 10
recently announced the approval of its first research grant of
specialty areas
approximately $25,000 to Children’s and Emory University. The research
on its “Best Children’s
will focus on chimerism of cardiac myocytes in a transplanted heart.
Hospitals” list, with our cardiac services ranked
Enduring Hearts seeks to enhance lives by funding research to increase
No. 4 nationally for the
the longevity of organ transplants. The results of the funded research
second year in a row. In
projects will contribute to the knowledge of many aspects of clinical and
addition, we had three
scientific transplantation, including the mechanisms of long-term organ
other specialties—
deterioration, the consequence of tissue injury and the opportunities to
endocrinology/
intervene in these processes.
diabetes, nephrology and cancer—improve their rankings. Endocrinology/ diabetes and cancer
Children’s is now offering MYchart, an online tool that helps you securely access your child’s medical records and privately communicate with your healthcare team. With MYchart, you can view and download your child’s medical and immunization records, including medical history, and get notifications when lab and test results are ready. Visit choa.org/mychart to learn more.
improved by nine and five spots respectively. Overall, Children’s had eight out of 10 specialties ranked in the top 20 this year, an increase in one specialty since 2013.
11
Highlights and happenings Annual Hope and Will Ball selects 2015 honoree The 12th annual Hope and Will Ball, chaired
years of service, have the opportunity to enhance their skills in fundraising, program development and relationship building.
by Cathy Iannotti and Stacey Ollinger, will be
In January 2014, Children’s welcomed its third class
held Saturday, Feb. 7, at the St. Regis Atlanta.
of ELC members. Together, the 28-member group
The black-tie gala will honor Tommy Holder,
will host its signature Children’s fundraising event,
Chairman of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
the Scrubs Party, in April 2015 at a private hangar
Foundation Board of Trustees, for his leadership
at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. Visit choa.org/elc to
and generosity to Children’s over the years.
learn more about these volunteer leaders.
The ball features a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner. Guests will also enjoy single-evening fundraising event for Children’s.
PNC Foundation teams up with Children’s and Strong4Life
Visit choa.org/hopeandwillball to learn more.
Children’s community wellness movement
a live auction and dancing at the largest annual
Strong4Life, with grant funding from PNC
ELC plans 2015 Scrubs Party Emerging Leaders for Children’s (ELC) engages business professionals and community volunteers
12
Foundation, has created a program that arms physicians with knowledge and tools to teach families about healthy habits. The Prevention at the Pediatrician’s Office Program uses specially written and illustrated books that reinforce Strong4Life’s healthy habit messaging.
in their 30s and 40s with
Children’s is dedicated to offering long-term
the mission and vision of
solutions to Georgia’s obesity epidemic and relies
Children’s at a leadership
on donors like PNC Foundation to support these
level. Members gain unique access to Children’s
endeavors. Visit choa.org/corporate to learn more
trustees and executives and, through an initial two
about how your company can support Children’s.
Childhood cancer awareness
Record-breaking DI Dash
September was Childhood Cancer Awareness
Atlanta-based Digital
Month, and Aflac honored Chris and Tom Glavine
Insurance contributed
and CURE Childhood Cancer on our Duckprints
a record $50,000 to
Wall at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders
Children’s from this
Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The
year’s DI Dash. The
wall recognizes those who have made a significant
company has donated
impact on childhood cancer. Last year, John
nearly a quarter of a
Smoltz and Bill Woods, M.D., were recognized.
million dollars to Children’s since the inception of
In addition, the Stop Childhood Cancer Alliance
this annual road race in 2009.
held its Go Gold campaign, with local businesses
Nearly 600 people participated in the 5K and
and organizations changing their lights to shine
1K Fun Run on the Marietta Square. Pictured
a brilliant gold to raise awareness of pediatric
above (from left) are Adam Bruckman, President
cancer. Visit aflaccancercenter.org to learn more.
and CEO, Digital Insurance; Sarah Harris, Development Officer, Children’s; Beverly Losman, Director of SafeKids Georgia, Children’s; and
John Smoltz’s Braves Celebrity-Am golf tournament
John Short, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Digital Insurance.
Former Braves legend John Smoltz hosted his annual Braves CelebrityAm golf tournament
Join the Circle of Care Challenge
presented by Fidelity
This year, your gift of at least $10,000 can make an
Investments Aug. 3 and
even greater impact on the patients and families
4 at Atlanta National,
of Children’s. Tommy Holder, Chairman of the
Hawks Ridge and White Columns. More than 270
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation,
golfers, including 60 celebrities, hit the fairways
and his wife, Beth, are funding a Circle of Care
to raise funds for the Aflac Cancer Center.
matching donor program benefiting Children’s.
Celebrity participants included Tom Glavine,
From now until the end of the year, new Circle
Phil Niekro, Brian Jordan, Greg McMichael, Otis
of Care donors will have their gift matched at an
Nixon, Steve Bartkowski, Gerald Riggs, William
amount of $5,000 until a maximum of $500,000 has
Andrews and many more. Special thanks go to
been reached. The Holders hope to inspire 100
Fidelity Investments, Outback Steakhouse and
new Circle of Care members with this challenge.
the City Club of Buckhead for their support.
Visit choa.org/circleofcare to learn more.
13
14
Celebrating “Mr. Paul” Paul Amos—known as “Mr. Paul”—was one of the founding members of Aflac in 1955 and the last surviving link to a three-brother team that built the Columbus, Ga., insurance company into a Fortune 500 company. Mr. Paul passed away July 2, 2014, from complications of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 88. Mr. Paul was married to his wife, Jean,
he loved the Aflac Cancer Center, and he
for 65 years, and together they were very
spread that love to the Aflac Field Force.
generous benefactors to many individuals
We will miss his friendship and his fun-
and causes, with the Aflac Cancer and
loving sense of humor.”
Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta chief among them.
Mr. Paul and Miss Jean frequented the Aflac Cancer Center and especially enjoyed the
“Children’s and the Aflac Cancer Center are
opening dedication of the Scottish Rite
so fortunate to have enjoyed the friendship
outpatient clinic, the Egleston outpatient
and generosity of Mr. Paul,” said Children’s
clinic and the 10th birthday of the Aflac
CEO Donna Hyland. “There was always a
and Aflac Cancer Center relationship. They
twinkle in his eye and a love in his heart for
also liked to visit when Aflac Field Force
the children in our care. His legacy will live
members gathered to tour.
on in the center and within everyone he helped along the way. Our lives are certainly
“Paul Amos was a special friend to
richer for having known him.”
Children’s and the Aflac Cancer Center,” said Tommy Holder, Chairman of the
The blood and marrow transplant unit in the
Children’s Foundation Board. “His generous
Aflac Cancer Center is named in honor of
philanthropic spirit was contagious and a
Mr. Paul and Miss Jean for their remarkable
testament to his extraordinary life.”
support. “The Aflac Cancer Center is a phenomenal place because of Mr. Paul and
Aflac is currently led by Paul and Jean
the remarkable company he founded,”
Amos’ only child, Dan, who is the CEO and
said Bill Woods, M.D., Director of the Aflac
chairman of the board.
Cancer Center. “He made it no secret that
15
Major and legacy gifts These gifts represent a selection of generous commitments made to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Allen family
will be here for years to come,” said Freddy.
Generous supporters Neal and Joan
The Baileys are true champions for our
Allen created their first legacy gift in 1999.
mission to help make kids better today and
Following Joan’s passing in 2014, Neal
healthier tomorrow.
established a second charitable remainder unitrust that will help provide future support
The Gilbert family
to improve the health and well-being of our
The Judy Lane Gilbert Foundation
patients and their families—a concept close
continued to support the Andrew Reisner,
to the family’s heart.
M.D., Traumatic Brain Injury Fund with a gift of $25,000. This gift will help support our
Linda and Freddy Bailey
efforts in research, education and clinical
Linda and Freddy Bailey, proud natives of
care to enhance treatments and improve
Decatur, Ga., have watched closely for several
outcomes for children who experience
decades the value and impact Children’s has
a traumatic brain injury. Thanks to the
had on their community. Both are retired, with
Gilbert’s generosity, more children will have
Linda having taught in the DeKalb County
the chance to live happier, healthier lives.
School System and Freddy having worked in law enforcement. With the assistance of
Ian’s Friends Foundation
their attorney, the Baileys decided to direct
Ian’s Friends Foundation pledged $360,000
half of their residual estates to Children’s.
to create and manage a brain tumor tissue biorepository that will collect, grow, store
“We wanted to benefit something local, something worthwhile and something that
16
and distribute tissue to help fuel pediatric brain tumor research. This gift will help
lead to enhanced treatments and improved outcomes for children with brain tumors. Kathryn Boyne Kearney Kathryn Boyne Kearney’s gift of $250,000 set up the Dr. Philip J. Boyne Craniofacial Endowment Fund in memory of her father, Philip J. Boyne, D.M.D., M.S., D.Sc. A distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Boyne led groundbreaking research and performed many cleft palate repairs throughout his career. After touring the
May. The need for expansion was urgent,
Center for Craniofacial Disorders at Scottish
as Scottish Rite reached full occupancy
Rite hospital, Kathryn made her generous
for 60 days last year. The PICU provides
gift to honor her father’s legacy. Funds from
comprehensive, high-level care for critically
this endowment will benefit the craniofacial
ill children in an environment designed to
patients and their families.
meet their complex needs. The PICU was
Robert Simmons
Children’s had many gracious donors who
Robert Simmons notified Children’s of his
funded rooms at both locations.
also expanded at Egleston hospital, and
intent to make a legacy gift through his estate in honor of Hiram Kite, M.D., who
Powdley White
was able to correct a malformation in
Powdley White, a retired and decorated
Robert’s foot at Scottish Rite many years
World War II veteran, had previously
ago. Dr. Kite was the second Medical
designated a certificate of deposit of
Director at Scottish Rite.
$30,000 to be gifted through his estate. Earlier this year, Powdley decided to
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Singleton
accelerate his legacy gift so it could be
Allison and Dan Singleton’s most recent
used now to help those children who need
gift supported the facility expansion
it most. As Powdley says, “Children’s is
at Scottish Rite hospital. Their financial
deep in my heart to stay.”
commitment was recognized in the naming of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) room in the new space that opened in
Visit choa.org/majorgifts to learn more about giving to Children’s.
17
Friends around town a
b
c
d
18
Atlanta young professionals enjoyed socializing, networking and fundraising for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through the Friends Junior Committee (FJC). Pictured is the FJC Board at their annual signature event, Cheers for Children, held at the W Atlanta Midtown. Attendees enjoyed an evening at the MobileIron Nine at Night Golf Tournament and Party. Golfers enjoyed a nine-hole round lit with brilliant glow-in-the-dark golf balls. The party continued well into the night with dinner, a silent auction, special prizes and live music from Yacht Rock Schooner. Guests at the Women of Style and Substance Fashion Show and Luncheon enjoyed a sneak peek of Stella McCartney’s Fall 2014 collection at the St. Regis Atlanta. More than 500 attendees enjoyed silent and live auctions as well as a seated lunch, while the Masters family shared their journey at Children’s and how the hospital has made a difference in their lives. The annual luncheon celebrated a record year, raising more than $240,000 for Children’s. This year’s honorees were Yum Arnold, Sally Dorsey, Marie Foster, Patrice Greer, Mary Johnson, Vicki Palmer, Anita Thomas and Dina Woodruff. One of the most treasured traditions in Atlanta is the Peachtree Battle Home Tour. For more than 20 years, guests have attended this popular event for Children’s. This year’s tour raised nearly $20,000.
e
f
The Big Splash 2014 was our most memorable yet. Presented by Merrill Lynch, the black-tie concert and dinner at Georgia Aquarium raised more than $400,000 for Marcus Autism Center. Hosted by event chair John Tyers, the 450-guest gala honored the Deriso family and featured a private concert by recording artist LeAnn Rimes. The sold-out crowd at Summer Sizzle danced until late in the evening while enjoying the last moments of summer with good food, drinks and live music. The event was chaired by Katie Bush and Katie Stewart, and it raised more than $109,000 for Children’s.
g
In May, Friends volunteers and leaders met at the annual Spring Celebration Brunch to commemorate the past year’s fundraising accomplishments. Friends surpassed its goal and presented a check for more than $2.6 million to Children’s. Gene Hayes, President of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, is pictured along with Jennifer Cooper, Friends Board President, and Kellam Mattie, Friends Board Vice President of Membership.
h
Nearly 700 guests sampled delicious food and drinks from neighborhood locations at the 11th annual Taste of the Highlands.
i
A sold-out crowd enjoyed competitive tennis, a vendor village, prizes and lunch, all while serving love and adding hope for Children’s at the annual Hope and Will Tennis Challenge.
a
c
b
d
f
e
g
h
i
19
a
c
b
e
d
f
g
20
h
Upcoming Friends events a
b
c
d
Tuesday, Dec. 2 | Merry and Bright—Brighten the holiday by purchasing festive ornaments, vibrantly colored trees or giant toy soldiers to decorate the hallways at Egleston hospital to honor patients, families and caregivers of Children’s. The third annual Merry and Bright event will feature musical guest Mark Wills. Visit choa.org/merryandbright to learn more. Saturday, Dec. 6 | Children’s Christmas Parade—Children’s mascots Hope and Will kick off the holiday season with the 34th annual Children’s Christmas Parade hosted by WSB-TV. Visit choa.org/parade for more information. Saturday, Dec. 6 | Distinguished Clowns— The Distinguished Clowns are a group of business executives and community leaders who walk together in the Children’s Christmas Parade, spreading holiday cheer with funny faces and special treats. Visit choa.org/ distinguishedclowns for more information. Saturday, Feb. 7 | Hope and Will Ball—The largest annual fundraising event benefiting Children’s, the 12th annual Hope and Will Ball will honor Tommy Holder, Chairman of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Board of Trustees. The black-tie gala will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing. This event sells out quickly, so visit choa.org/hopeandwillball to reserve your seats today.
e
f
Wednesday, Feb. 18 | Cards for a Cause— Enjoy a day of social bridge, a luncheon, silent auction and special prizes at our fourth annual Cards for a Cause. Visit choa.org/ cardsforacause for more information. Sunday, Feb. 22 | Family FinFest—Experience a private viewing at Georgia Aquarium with full access to exhibits, live entertainment and a catered picnic dinner. Proceeds will benefit Marcus Autism Center. Visit choa.org/finfest for more information.
g
Friday, Feb. 27 | Children’s Night at the Circus—The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus LEGENDS show will be rolling into town and Friday, Feb. 27 is Children’s Night. Visit choa.org/ringling to learn more about ticket and sponsorship information.
h
Saturday, April 25 | Scrubs Party—Emerging Leaders for Children’s members will host the second annual Scrubs Party, with live music, a silent auction and much more amid the unique backdrop of the Jet Linx private hangar at the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. Visit choa.org/scrubs for tickets and more information.
Visit choa.org/events to learn more about these and other events.
21
Mark your calendar NOVEMBER
6
Biggest Show on Radio: 3 Mics, 1 Cause
7
Clays for Kids
6
Children’s Christmas Parade
7
Georgia Tech Dance Marathon
choa.org/radiothon Thursday, Nov. 6
choa.org/claysforkids Friday, Nov. 7
DECEMBER
5
Teddy Bear Crusade tbcatl.org Friday, Dec. 5
choa.org/parade Saturday, Dec. 6
FEBRUARY 2015
21
UGA Miracle Dance Marathon ugamiracle.org Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 21-22
MARCH 2015
1
Kris Medlen Birdies and Baseball choa.org/birdiesandbaseball Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 3
19
forthekids.gatech.edu Saturday, March 7
Legacy Circle Luncheon choa.org/legacyluncheon Thursday, March 19
Visit choa.org/events to learn more about these and other events benefiting Children’s.
22
THANK
you
Brynslet, age 2 300th pediatric heart transplant recipient
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Inc. Park North 1577 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329
NONPROFIT U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 6722
If you wish to opt out of future communications from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, please visit choa.org/preferences.
©2014 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. FND 958319.jo.11/14
Share your story—help us honor your incredible journey with Children’s choa.org/thankyou
Thank you to our volunteers In 2013, our 1,457 in-hospital volunteers generously gave 134,862 hours of their time to benefit the patients and families of Children’s. Whether it’s helping in gift shops, reading stories to patients or rocking newborn babies, our volunteers help make Children’s the best place for kids. We could not do what we do without their helping hands!