OUR TEAM
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
Susanne Rosenberg
Vice President
Karen Korn
Treasurer
Joey Venturella
Secretary
Maura Garascia
Emeritus*
Scott Biermann
ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Robert Bergamini
Dr. Gordon Gale
Dr. Rob Hanson
Marie Turner, MSN, RN, CPNP
HONORARY BOARD
Allen Brockman*
Gene Deutsch
Molly Henry*
Dan McLaughlin
Tom O’Neal
Guy Phillips
Gary Saettele
STAFF
Executive Director
Brandy Bimslager
Program Director
Valerie Kennedy Lang, MSW, LCSW
Finance Manager
Diane Voigt
Director of Development
Gina Bowders
Program Coordinator
Morgyn Johnson
Interim Program
Coordinator
Christine Williams
Program Facilitator
Amber Willis
BOARD MEMBERS
Jay Adams
Kris Arneson
Matt Biffignani
Jonathan Burke
Katy Carson
Tony Godfrey
Rick Henry
Sharon Huber
Rick Lommel*
Ryan Lommel
Kathy Manganaro*
Joe Reinberg
Tom Russo
Ed Schmid
Margie Sedlack
Ben Turec*
Jill Turec
Susan Venincasa
Jared VonOehsen
*PAST PRESIDENTS
Volunteer & Events
Coordinator
Kim Wisdom, MNA
Office Administrator
Jenny Amparán
Marketing & Communications
Specialist
Angela Hutchings
Our mission is to be an advocate for these special kids and provide them and their families with the educational, emotional, and recreational support needed as a result of the long hours of chemotherapy, illness, and isolation.
314.275.7440 • friendsofkids.org 16 Sunnen Drive Suite 161 • St. Louis, MO • 63143
Friends of Kids with Cancer
@Friends_of_Kids
Welcome Amber Willis Program Facilitator
Amber Willis has had many roles and experiences that she says led her to step into the role of Program Facilitator at Friends of Kids with Cancer.
Amber worked in the classroom as an English teacher before relocating to St. Louis with her spouse, Dan. She was pregnant with her first child, Jack, at that time and became a stay-at-home parent.
She also spent her time working to create a studentcentered, literacy-rich preschool curriculum and was a part-time dance instructor.
All of that was put on hold when her daughter, Molly, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2020.
“Navigating a global pandemic and cancer diagnosis made for an extremely difficult time; however, Friends of Kids with Cancer was a big part in the little moments of joy
we were able to find and hold on to,” Amber recalls.
Molly is now cancer free and according to her mom, “absolutely thriving.”
As Molly moved to her next chapter of full time school, Amber knew she wanted to return to the paid workforce.
She spent a year running her own business working directly with female entrepreneurs to help craft brand messaging and storytelling marketing.
She adds, “This particular opportunity at Friends of Kids was too perfect to pass up! It feels as if each experience and role in my life so far has prepared me to step into this one with confidence and purpose.”
Amber expresses that her family witnessed first-hand the immediate and positive impact Friends has on
kids battling cancer as well as their siblings.
“I am thrilled to work with the team at Friends and to partner with hospitals to bring more bright spots to these kids and their families!”
Amber Willis excitedly stepped into the role as Program Facilitator at Friends of Kids with Cancer in July.
New Board Member
Jared VonOehsen
Jared VonOehsen is a seasoned professional with over fifteen years in human resources and has served Friends of Kids with Cancer for three years on the HR committee. Outside of his career, Jared is a husband and a father to two children. He shares his passion for hockey as a youth hockey coach, where he mentors and inspires young athletes. Welcome to the Board of Directors, Jared!
AMBER WITH HUSBAND, DAN, AND KIDS, JACK AND MOLLY.
PATIENTS HELP RAISE NEARLY $90,000 FOR
ART THERAPY
The 15th annual Art from the Heart celebrated fifteen years of showcasing artwork and celebrating the expressive minds of children and young adults facing cancer as extraordinary artists.
Guests who have attended Art from the Heart will tell you it’s more than a fundraiser. This truly unique event helps many artists and their families proudly give back to an organization that has helped them.
This fundraiser and celebration paid honor to patient and sibling artists while raising funds to continue art therapy programming at our three partner hospitals: Mercy, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Working with different art materials, art therapists help bring patients’ emotions to the canvas creatively
“I love that I get to come here and get my mind off chemo and treatment and have a nice night with everyone here. Art therapy helps me express how I feel about what I’m going through. It has helped me a lot.”
— Bell, Art from the Heart artist
as an outlet for the pain and confusion that can come with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Each art piece is then donated by the artist or family to Friends to auction off. Generous local art galleries and frame shops prepare each piece for hanging or display so the auction winner can enjoy the artwork for years to come.
The inspiring artwork ranged from adorable rainbows and pet portraits to heartfelt sentiments with lyrics and poems. Every artist received a copy of their artwork during the artist ceremony at the event. Artists expressed their excitement as patrons bid on their artwork while enjoying their private space in the “Arty Party Room” full of fun and camaraderie just for artists.
This event is made possible by our generous donors like Presenting Sponsor, Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis, who host the event in their beautiful dealership showroom. Not only do they host the annual event at no cost to the organization, but they also solicit donations, provide drinks for the bar, and underwrite much of the event. Lexus gave a donation matching Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis’s contributions and became the Title Sponsor this year.
A special thank you to volunteers, committee members, framers, and all those who donated or bid in the auction in support of these amazing artists.
Side Project Brewing Honors Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with For Friends Golden Lager
To honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Side Project Brewing brewed a special batch of a unique golden lager and named it “For Friends.”
A portion of the proceeds from each goes to Friends of Kids with Cancer, and the brewery didn’t stop there. Side Project hosted a launch event, welcoming beer lovers, Friends supporters, families, and everyone in between to come celebrate this great collaboration.
The event featured beer samplings, balloon animals by COMMUNITY
Wayne the Balloon Guy, hair tinsel and face painting by Glitter Faces, and all the normal offerings of Side Project Brewery like delicious food and a full selection of their world-renowned beers. All day, the brewery donated one dollar from each sale of any beer sold.
For Friends Golden Lager is available, until supplies last, at all three Side Project locations, on tap and in cans.
We can’t thank Side Project enough for this huge opportunity to share our mission with their
audience of beer connoisseurs world-wide and make such a significant donation in honor of this special month.
Keep Climbing Foundation’s
Climb for the Kids Raises Over $13,000
On August 17th, Ryan Kelley and a small team trekked up Mount Baker in Washington state to raise money for Friends of Kids with Cancer.
This year, they celebrated a decade of dedication and impact during this milestone 10th annual Climb for the Kids. Thanks to individual donors who gave from $10 to $2,000, this climbing campaign raised over $13,000 for Friends of Kids with Cancer.
“Ten years ago, we began climbing mountains to raise funds for children battling cancer, and along the way, we’ve partnered with several remarkable nonprofits.
There’s something truly special about Friends of Kids with Cancer. Their team and mission are unmatched, and we know that the money we raise for FOKWC will make a significant impact—helping kids with cancer experience the joys of just being kids. We look forward to continuing our partnership with FOKWC as we climb into the future.”
— Ryan Kelley, Founder and Board President, Keep Climbing Foundation
Hazel’s Raffle Raises Over $15,000 in Fifth Year
In 2019, Kurt’s daughter, Hazel, underwent treatment for a Wilm’s Tumor when she was just two years old. After having her right kidney and the tumor removed and undergoing chemotherapy, Hazel is now a thriving 7-year-old cancer survivor celebrating five years of being cancer-free.
As a beer lover with an unexpected experience with pediatric cancer and an everexpanding love for his daughter, Kurt organized a beer raffle for Friends of Kids with Cancer. Selling tickets for just $5, Kurt raised money to help give smiles to kids just like Hazel and her sister, Claire.
“There is no such thing as too much support for a family battling
childhood cancer, but, if there were, Friends would certainly exceed it and then some,” Kurt explains.
“We will eternally be grateful for all the love and support Friends provided us while Hazel went through surgery and treatment.”
In the fifth year, Hazel’s Raffle raised over $15,000 for Friends of Kids With Cancer, bringing the total over the years to $125,000!
Kurt thanks everyone who purchased a ticket and Side Project Brewing, who donated many of the highly sought-after prizes.
Hockey Fights Cancer 25th Anniversary Grant Awards $25,000
As part of the year-long celebration of Hockey Fights Cancer™, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association awarded Friends of Kids with Cancer $25,000 to support art therapy programming, thanks to our partnership with Blues for Kids.
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
All 32 NHL Clubs hosted a Hockey Fights Cancer in-game awareness night last season.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary milestone of Hockey Fights Cancer, $250,000 was granted by NHL Foundation U.S., Inc. to 11 unique life-changing programs, including
Jersey Mike’s Subs Raises Over $110,000
Twelve Jersey Mike’s Subs locations in Missouri and Illinois chose Friends of Kids with Cancer for their 14th Annual Day of Giving last March.
Rallied by Ryan Cunningham, owner of three area stores, these locations donated 100% of sales on March 27th to make a difference in the St. Louis pediatric cancer community.
Friends of Kids with Cancer, to further raise cancer awareness, and to support patients in the community.
Additionally, throughout the month of March, customers could round up their purchases at the register, adding to the generous revenue and allowing area residents to get involved in giving.
Ryan was recognized at the 26th Annual Friends of Kids with Cancer Golf Tournament in May with a check presentation. To date, this $110,000 donation is the
largest single donation ever made from a business.
Thank you to the following Jersey Mike’s Subs locations for helping kids with cancer... be kids!
Des Peres • Webster Groves O’Fallon, MO • Wentzville St. Charles • St. Ann Maryland Heights South Lindbergh Telegraph Rd. • Fairview Heights, IL Edwardsville, IL • Shiloh, IL
PLAN YOUR ESTATE TO MAKE A LASTING DAILY IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Friends of Kids with Cancer makes every day a little bit easier with toys, activities, big gifts, and family gatherings the entire family can enjoy.
Make today better for a child and family facing the harsh realities of a cancer diagnosis.
Carry your legacy to benefit future generations of children in St. Louis diagnosed with cancer.
Learn how you can donate will bequests, real estate, equities, property, life insurance, securities/stock, retirement savings, and other assets of your choosing.
Contact Gina Bowders for more information about how you can plan your gift.
Email: gina@friendsofkids.com
Phone: 314.275.7440
Learn more about ways to give at friendsofkids.com/waystogive
Thursday, November 21, 2024
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
Join us in a world of pure imagination at the 30th Anniversary Fashion Show & Boutique. This truly unique gala-like fundraiser treats childhood cancer patients to the red-carpet lifestyle for a day, as they dance, move, and swagger down the runway at two fashion shows.
You are invited to attend and shop the boutique of St. Louis retailers, sip cocktails, enjoy a gourmet meal, bid on exclusive auction items, purchase tickets for exciting raffles, and witness 30 patient models feeling their best on the runway.
AFTERNOON LUNCHEON SHOW
11:30 A.M.
Boutique shopping at 10 a.m., signature drink, gourmet lunch, runway show, special raffles, & silent auction. Cash bar available.
EVENING DINNER SHOW
7:00 P.M.
Boutique shopping & open bar cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. Gourmet dinner, runway show, silent auction, & live auction. VIP add-on starts at 5 p.m.
This one-of-a-kind event sells out quickly. Reserve tickets at friendsofkids.com/fashionshow
PROGRAM
Imaginations Ignited for Hundreds of Kids Receiving School Supplies
at the Back-To-School Bash this Summer
On a Saturday in late July, over 500 patients, parents, and siblings ignited their imaginations inside The Magic House at this year’s Back-To-School Bash.
Families enjoyed private use of the museum, thanks to a grant designated by The Magic House. During their after-hours visit, families filled bags of school supplies, ate snacks, enjoyed some wellneeded family play time, and took home a gift card to accommodate the varying needs of each child’s school supply list.
Smiling, energetic kids were seen moving around having fun while parents followed or relaxed. Kids of all ages attended from those entering Kindergarten to their senior year of high school.
Over 3,000 school supplies were distributed to grateful families who filled bags of items for every school-aged child.
“We just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful time at the Magic House. We understand and appreciate all the hard work that Friends does on a daily basis to help all of the kids in this area and beyond dealing with what they are going through to have some fun.”
— Jill, patient mom on behalf of her family.
With your help, during their
we bring joy
Meet Emma, Aria, and Lucia
When Emma was 9-years-old, she woke up one morning with severe leg pain, unable to walk.
After many tests in the ER, Emma’s mom, Lucia, was told her little girl has Leukemia.
The next ten days were a whirlwind with surgery, chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsy, and a spinal tap.
“In the midst of all that, we met wonderful people from Friends of Kids with Cancer,” Lucia recalls.
Friends helped Emma and her sister Aria cope with this new diagnosis. Emma was told she wasn’t alone, that she would meet kids like her, and make new memories along the way.
Through Friends’ music therapy, Emma creates songs and sings throughout days in treatment. The music therapist plays music with Emma and Aria in the playroom to bring joy and express together what they’re going through.
Emma’s favorite subject in school is art. She loves spending time with her Friends’ art therapist painting, talking about art, and exploring different art supplies.
“It truly heals her soul being able to paint through chemo,” Lucia reflects.
Both Emma and Aria began struggling academically from missing so much school during treatments. The girls visit a Friends’ tutor each week to catch up. “And, whenever Emma needs a break, they play a game. They always end up laughing and having a good time together while all her work gets done,” Lucia says.
Friends of Kids with Cancer continues to support Emma, Aria, and Lucia, to help them to think, feel, and smile one day at a time.
Emma opening gifts and walking on the runway as a Fashion Show & Boutique model in the 2023 event.
Aria dancing at the Fall Festival.
Emma and Aria posing in their brand-new coats and hats supplied by our winter coat drive.
This time of year means many things for all of us. It means gatherings with family and friends, shared meals and drinks, warm mugs, and cool weather.
For the families we serve, the joy of the winter holiday season is sometimes forced aside with stressful medical appointments, the physical changes and needs that come from chemotherapy, and the pressure parents can feel that their children will miss out the fun of a “normal” holiday season.
With support from our community, Friends of Kids with Cancer puts the joy back into the everyday lives of families facing cancer— not just during the holiday season, but every day.
Friends offers families no-cost, stress-relief to get kids feeling their best. From meals, special gifts, activities, and parties, to fostering confidence with tutoring, therapy, and activities with other kids just like them.
holiday drive, and beloved Fall Festival and Winter Wonderland parties—and we send families to experience ball games, plays, holiday lights, and other ticketed events.
The kindness and giving spirit of individuals like you are what have helped kids like Emma navigate their difficult cancer journeys, and they truly could not do it without you.
As we close out 2024, we invite you to join us in helping these kids. Please consider a gift today, which will help us to continue providing laughter, love, and most important, normality to pediatric cancer patients and their families during the holiday season and all year long.
Gratefully,
During the holiday season, Friends offers extra assistance through our coat drive, adopt-a-family
In 2023, we accomplished so much with the help of supporters just like you.
Tutoring Sessions with Patients & Siblings in 2023
$81,100
Susanne Rosenberg Board President Friends of Kids with Cancer
Music Therapy Sessions with Patients & Siblings in 2023
Support Group Sessions for Kids & Adults in 2023
Art Therapy Sessions for Patients & Siblings in 2023 in Scholarships Awarded in 2023
650+ Attendees to patient family parties like Back to School, Fall Festival, & Winter Wonderland
38 Families adopted for Christmas 415+ Winter Coats gifted 138 Special Assistance gifts
128 End of Chemo/Radiation parties
Memory Maker gifts
Smile Maker gifts
Bone Marrow Transplant gifts
Toy Chest Daily Radiation gifts
Munchie Meals delivered to hospitals
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
A Spooky, Fun Family Fall Night Together
The Friends of Kids with Cancer Fall Festival kicked off the spooky season with over 700 guests at this private event at Grant’s Farm. Guests enjoyed a dance party, face painting, photo booth, candy and toy giveaways, and big toy duck pull.
Many special guests took photos with families and danced to tunes spun by DJ Shawn, like Ghostbusters, Fredbird, Star Wars characters, princesses, and superheroes.
Grant’s Farm served up a great dinner, as well as park favorites, like goat feeding, carousel rides, animal viewings, Clydesdale photos, and spooky tram rides.
There were many treats enjoyed and only a few tricks played by Fredbird, who fluffed his tail feathers around and stole the DJ booth.
“We had the best time at Grants Farm with Friends of Kids with Cancer last night! It is so nice to see all of our cancer family friends having fun together!”
— Jennifer, mom, via Facebook
$93,000 in
Awarded to 15 Patient Scholars
As custodians of three unique scholarships, Friends of Kids with Cancer has awarded 15 teens in treatment and survivorship a total of $93,500 over the course of their 2024-2025 academic year in continued education.
These scholarships, in memory of three tremendous individuals, are giving pediatric cancer patients a step up in their next chapter of life.
The Tom “The Tutor” Mulvihill Scholarship helps anticipating and recent high school graduates to move into their next phase of life.
The Bobby Orf #17 Scholarship is granted to applicants who possesses strength, courage and determination—the three characteristics that defined the life of Bobby Orf.
The Mackenzie’s Scholarship honors Mackenzie Woelbling’s memory, granted to an applicant that best exemplifies Mackenzie’s perseverance and determination in education.
Congratulations to the new freshmen! Friends of Kids with Cancer is honored to support your next steps in memory of Tom, Bobby, and Mackenzie.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Difficult, Yet Important Monthly Support Groups for Families
For ten years, Friends of Kids with Cancer has offered support groups for parents, caregivers, patients, and siblings who have experienced a child in treatment for cancer or blood-related diseases.
Throughout the course of these ongoing monthly gatherings, Friends creates a safe and supportive environment in adult and child sessions facilitated by mental health professionals.
These professionals help address the ongoing emotions that can arise during and after a child’s treatment, as well as provide supportive solutions for coping with cancer or bereavement in the family unit. We have tight-knit attendees, who have bonded over years of experience, and welcome all newcomers with open arms.
Support group members often express their friends and family mean very well, but they don’t always know what to say or how to comfort a family going through so much.
“Regular attendees are so nice and so welcoming to new members. They often say ‘We’re so glad you’re here, and we’re sorry.’”
— Margie Sedlack, facilitator support
“Being able to talk with other families who understand entirely what we are going through is such a blessing. I don’t know how we would have made it through treatment and relapse without the support of group.”
—Melanie, support group member and mom
Kid’s groups, also led by mental health professionals, allow kids to express themselves separately from their parents in the Friends play room with activities that help with mood and expression.
Glen Doherty, licensed mental health counselor, has facilitated the adult support groups for ten years with support from Margie Sedlack, former Friends staff and current board member.
Glen often says, “If it’s hard, it’s important,” which means that if a difficult emotion or situation is coming up, it may be important to address and work through with the group or otherwise.
Support groups meet monthly at the Friends of Kids with Cancer office. More information about attending can be requested by contacting Valerie Kennedy Lang, Program Director, at 314-275-7440 or valerie@friendsofkids.com
Weekly Hospital Activities for Entertainment, Distraction, & Joy
Each week, Friends of Kids with Cancer hosts planned activities in treatment centers, working closely with partners at hospitals to provide distraction, interaction, and entertainment outside of hospital rooms for patients, siblings, and parents.
Activity kits are created to distribute to kids unable to leave their rooms, or for those who may have missed us.
Games and activities for all ages are provided by Friends to support family bonding, enjoyable time away from hospital rooms, and allow close watch from their care teams when needed.
Get Your School Involved with Hats On Day
Hats On Day is more than a school fundraiser; it is a symbol of the fight and struggle of kids who battle cancer and its devastating effects. It is an enlightening experience for students who do not understand why one of their classmates lost their hair or misses extended periods of school. It is a rallying cry for the community to show support for these brave kids fighting for their lives while living them every day.
Schools, businesses, and churches can participate by paying a dollar
We provide everything you need: Hats On Day stickers, flyers and posters to put up around your school or business, and informational brochures. Just pick a date, collect money, and have fun!
Hats On Day was created in 1995 by four sixth-graders at Henry School in St. Louis in honor of their friend and classmate, Kevin Beffa, who was diagnosed with NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma. When he got sick, he had to miss school and lost his hair from treatment.
Friends of Kids with Cancer has continued Hats On Day in Kevin’s memory with the goal of creating awareness about the effects of chemotherapy on children.
Order hundreds of free stickers and flyers to support your fundraiser!
When you participate in Hats On Day, you create countless smiles on the faces of children as they tackle the obstacles that come with pediatric cancer.
Similar to Hats On Day, businesses can participate in Dress Down Day where each employee can “dress down” for the day if they donate a designated amount of money or toy to participate.
Learn more about starting a Hats On Day or Dress Down Day: friendsofkids.com/hatsonday
Members of your team can feel camaraderie with one simple donation on this special designated “casual Friday” any day of the week!
Spotlight On Kenda Morado
“I decided to volunteer with Friends because I wanted to give back some of the care, compassion, assistance, and joy that our family received from Friends when my daughter went through treatment almost ten years ago.”
Kenda Morado has been a devoted volunteer for over 3 years. She makes a weekly commitment to support Friends of Kids with Cancer’s office by shopping for supplies, organizing donations, delivering to treatment centers, and much more.
“No task is too small when it comes to helping this amazing organization. Everyone involved works so hard and gives their all. I’m happy to lighten the load in any way,” Kenda says.
Outside of her weekly volunteer schedule, Kenda is also a member of the Art from the Heart event planning committee, specifically coordinating the popular candy bar.
“I love that patients and families can feel pride and accomplishment for donating such a special piece of art during a time when they might be feeling helpless,” she says about Art from the Heart.
“It is so special that donors who receive the pieces have a lasting piece of artwork to remind them
of the meaningfulness of their generous involvement with Friends.”
The Friends of Kids with Cancer staff appreciates Kenda’s enthusiasm and passion for our mission of helping kids with cancer… be kids!
“I truly look forward to my volunteer day for Friends of Kids every week! Time is a valuable resource that I am grateful I have the ability to give.”
Learn more about volunteering at friendsofkids.com/volunteer
Munchie Meal Coordinator Retires—Mary Jotte
For over fifteen years, Mary Jotte has volunteered as the Munchie Meals Coordinator for Friends of Kids with Cancer, organizing weekly meal deliveries for patients in clinic.
Her son, Kevin, was a patient at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, where she volunteered as a Munchie Meals delivery person.
Mary dedicated much of her time to ensuring patients and families received delicious meals one day per week at three partner hospitals, as she managed anywhere from 25-45 volunteers,
Friends of Kids with Cancer staff celebrated Mary’s dedication and volunteer retirement with volunteers and new Munchie Meal Coordinator, Anne Royall.
With sincere gratitude, we thank Mary for her unwavering support over fifteen years of service to helping kids and families in hospitals.
“The Munchie Program helps the families who are at the facilities all day. Many with younger children cannot leave the floor to get a lunch or snack.”
— Mary Jotte
You May Be Able to Double Your Donation
Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations.
When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request a matching gift from their employer. The employer then makes their own donation to the nonprofit.
Companies usually match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at a 2:1, 3:1, or even a 4:1 ratio.
Companies of all sizes start matching gift programs because it’s an easy, structured way for them to support good work in their communities.
Use our online portal to get started by seeing if your employer offers a match.
Do a quick search to see if your employer matches donations! Visit friendsofkids.com/match
Holiday Toy Drive
COLLECT TOYS
Collect toys and donations as an “entrance fee” at your office or home holiday party. Integrate a toy drive in the spirit of “giving thanks” at your Thanksgiving celebration. Ask for toys in lieu of personal gifts.
#2 MAKE OR GET A TOY BIN
Making a toy bin is a great way to get kids involved in the toy drive. Get a large box, wrap it in decorated paper or other flashy and fun decorations. Add our flyer so people know where their donations are going. Friends has a small selection of toy barrels we can lend you. Just let us know ahead of time and you can pick one up at our office.
#3 PROMOTE YOUR TOY DRIVE
Tell your party guests about the toy drive so they can shop. Tell your social media followers you’re collecting toys. You may inspire them to do their own toy drive, or to participate in yours!
Find our toy drive wishlist and printable flyer at friendsofkids.com/wishlist
Selecting a toy out of the Friends Toy Closet can improve a child’s whole day — helping motivate them to get through the tough parts and giving parents hope for a smile.
#4 HAVE FUN!
We all remember the toys from our childhood. Looking through the collected toys can be a fun way to remember your favorite toys as a kid. Collecting toys should be fun! Post videos and photos on your social media of your toy drive to inspire others to get involved.
#5 SCHEDULE YOUR DROP OFF OR PICK UP
Call the Friends of Kids with Cancer office to let them know when you’ll be dropping off. We may be able to arrange a pick-up, thanks to our wonderful volunteers.
Note that we collect toys all year long. You can schedule your holiday toy drive delivery after the new year, if that works best for you.
#6 SAY THANKS
Send thank-you letters, notes, or emails to everyone who donated. Share photos with supporters and let them know how many total toys were donated. Tag Friends of Kids with Cancer in your posts.
Friends of Kids with Cancer sends toys to our local treatment centers weekly and uses toys for many different programs. Toys are often given in clinics or for children in-patient as a recreational distraction, for a mood boost, special celebration, or for when children are undergoing radiation. Radiation patients receive a “prize” for every day of treatment they complete.
Sign up to volunteer at friendsofkids.com/volunteer
Learn more about donating items friendsofkids.com/wishlist
HONORARY & MEMORIAL DONATIONS
Honorary Donations
May–July 2024
Beckham Bass
Janet Bass
Jonathan Burke
Kathy Manganaro
Delaney Digman
Nestling Nora’s Newest Angels
Emma Gross
Matt and Tracy Goldberg-Gross
Henry Ellis
Bruce and Laurie Glazier
Oliver Geen
Arnold Rotary Toy Drive
The Higgens Family
St. John Vianney High School
James Hill, Sr.
James Hill
William Klug
Kacey Whitworth
Logan Kowalski & Family
Amy Adams
Caden Leesmann
Crystal Ruth
Peter Mantovani
Michael and Elizabeth Hart
Klein Family Fund
Joseph and Mary Mantovani
Our Lady of Lourdes PTA
Patrick Postal
Steve and Judy Schokmiller
Thomas Ward and Susan Schaberg
Jude Morgan
Thomas Davis
Lilly Ohlsen
Jessica Ambuehl
Donna Brandmeyer
CIBC Family Office Group
Logan Cole
The Crow Family
Todd Crow
Stephen and Diane Daiker
Tanya French
Norah Grojean
Chris, Tara and Parker Harris
BOLD NAMES ARE THOSE BEING HONORED OR MEMORIALIZED.
Laura and Kevin Hewgley
Wayne Huttle
Olivia Jurgiel
Menea Kefalov
Vladimir, Yan, Menea, Teo & Maya
Kefalov
Jeff Kelley
Shannon Krakowski
Kathy Kroupa
The McCarthy Family
Mary Beth and Mason Millstone
Glen and Eileen Mitchell
Devin Oberlander
Michael Ohlsen
Alison Oswald
Christopher Parcell
Robin Porschen
Jim and Lara Powers
Diane Pratl
Christopher Quinn
Mike and Trish Roth
Gary Schmidt
Dorris Scott
Sirius Wealth Management, LLC
Auggie Powers
Michael and Maureen Bartell
Jennie Brabant-Havenar
Patrick Carroll
Anne and Jeff Craver
Mary Crowley Shapiro
Susan Crowley Perez
Janet Deusinger
Steve Dowd
Dr. and Mrs. Clay Dunagan
David Hogenkamp
Michael and Glenna Hughes
Michele Kemp
Gina Kerls
Robert Lee
Kathy Manganaro
Jay and Liz Marshall
Susan McConnell
MGI Risk Advisors
Kathy and Leo Miceli
Michael and Christine Pitzer
Pierce, Sue & Family and Team
POWERS Insurance
Sharon Purcell
Anne Richter
Debra Robinson-Berry
Kathy Ruggeri
Jim and Rita Sanders
Steven Solberg
Terri and Steven Stout
James and Joyce Triska
Guy and Theresa Vaccaro
Stan Viglione
Teresa and Henry Vogt
Rein and Geri Zeidler
Jeff Rose
Don Rose
Bud and Cindi Straumann
Roger and Sandra Waeckerle
Hudson Van Roekel
Brenda DeGoei
Waunda Gesink
Paul and Maria Hooyer
Kraig and Cheryl Hulstein
Mark Potter
Wayne Te Grotenhuis
Alex Venardos
Melissa Venardos
Jason Winchester
Wise F&I
Memorial Donations
May–July 2024
Lillian Bockover
Glenn and Lynnette Roehrig
Sandra and Nicholas Rohe
Vera Gerner Taylor
Ray and Diana Tobben
Mary Bomgaars
Brenda DeGoei
Waunda Gesink
Paul and Maria Hooyer
Kraig and Cheryl Hulstein
Wayne Te Grotenhuis
Michael Clarkin
Chris Clarkin
Sarah Cowart
Eileen and Bob Burns
Jake Franzel
Jake’s Crew
Ian Hartman
Brynne Beller
Justin and Kathy Durel
The Huster Family
Mary Kreienkamp
The Oden Family
Stine Seed Company
Georgia Zimmerman
Ellen Henry
Molly and Rick Henry
Steve Morovitz
John Henry
Molly and Rick Henry
Steve Morovitz
Carter Hinkle
Melinda Smith
Charlotte Hopfinger
Judy O’Connell
Nicholas Hundelt
Joan Hundelt
Warner Isaacs
Barbara Boxer
Audrey Shanfeld
Parker Jackson
Angela and Jeff Jackson
Trevor Joerling
New Melle Sports & Recreation, Inc.
James Klug
The Boeing Company, MQ-25 Team
Don Krause
Cindy and Alan Woods
Doug Kriete
Brown & Brown
Greg and Barbara Day
Marilyn Sherwood
Caden Leesmann
Crystal Ruth
Caleb Leslie
Beth and Ryan Leslie
Anne Malecek
Ed Schmid
Nick McCord
Kelly and Duane McCord
Mary Ellen Christman Hyde Mooney
Molly and Rick Henry
Maxine and Henry Morose
Jill and Ben Turec
Nelson Morose
Jill and Ben Turec
Bob Nuelle
The Alsop Family
Gregory and Elizabeth Ancel
Linda Baker
Scott and Jan Bedell
Matt and Julie Biffignani
Edward Costigan
Walter and Patricia Curtis
Shirley Hamilton & Diana Rigley
Kevin and Marilyn Hara
Rick and Molly Henry
Ralph Hoffman
John and Lynne Husmann
Bob and Mary Beth Kalinich
Colleen Laughlin
Kathy Manganaro
Sharon and Bret Marks
David and Nancy Minnick
Ann Murphy
Kelly O’Donnell
Terry and Catherine Raterman
Sharon Roth
Carolyn Spellman
John Spellman
Larry and Barbara Thayer
Diane Voigt
Timothy and Judy Weber
Lewis and Jill Wilks
James and Eleni Zemlyak
Mary Ogle
Richard and Barbara Rogers
Cole Owens
Laura Owens
Edward Perantoni
Deborah Tuffield
Elora Petrasek
Rosalynn Petrasek
Gregory Powers, Sr.
Michael and Maureen Bartell
Jennie Brabant-Havenar
Patrick Carroll
Anne and Jeff Craver
Susan Crowley Perez
Mary Crowley Shapiro
Janet Deusinger
Steve Dowd
Dr. and Mrs. Clay Dunagan
David Hogenkamp
Michael and Glenna Hughes
Michele Kemp
Gina Kerls
Robert Lee
Jay and Liz Marshall
Susan McConnell
MGI Risk Advisors
Kathy and Leo Miceli
Michael and Christine Pitzer
Pierce, Sue & Family and Team
POWERS Insurance
Sharon Purcell
Anne Richter
Debra Robinson-Berry
Kathy Ruggeri
Jim and Rita Sanders
Steven Solberg
Terri and Steven Stout
James and Joyce Triska
Guy and Theresa Vaccaro
Stan Viglione
Teresa and Henry Vogt
Rein and Geri Zeidler
Joe Powers
Patrick Carroll
Janet Deusinger
Kathy Manganaro
Susan McConnell
Michael and Christine Pitzer
Kaye Roberts
Sharon and Michael Allen
Kevin and Marilyn Amstutz
Joan Buck
Michelle Clemens
Vincent and Carol Dabbs
Danielle Fraser
John and Jeannette Fraser
Julie Herberholt
Kim and Kristi Huelsing
Charles Jung
Knefel / Nunchuck Family
Tina Lewis
Kathy Masterson
Claire McGaughey
Oaks Landing Board Members
Tricia Pytlinski
Mary Roberts
Sharon Roth
Heather Scheibelhut
Kathleen and Matt Stacker
Diane Uhlenbrock & Neighbors
Villages of Remington Oaks
Mary Walsh and Family
Cindy and Alan Woods
Bob Rosenberg
Lynne Brandt
The Brauer Family
Joseph Brewbaker
The Brown, Leverich & Florida Family
Members
Tom and Jennifer Buchholz
John and Shari Cage
Jill Caruso
Mike and Terri Chier
Mary Cisiewski
Kim Cordia
Jessica Cummings
Joe and Pat Darcy
Amanda Dolan
Theresa and Steven Eason
Bob and Sue Engblom
Elaine Grojean
Robert and Marilyn Gruenewald
Elizabeth Haase
Rob Hanson
The Haywood Family
Sharon and Steve Jamison
The Jerden Family - Bob, Jan, Jenny,
Kurt, Brian & Jen
Cathy Leroy
Susan Luedde
Kathy Manganaro
Ann Mauch
William and Kathleen McLaurine
James and Nancy Melton
Lisa Moggio
Wayne and Deb Nathanson
Paula Nichols
Pat Nieman
Chris Nohr
Laura Park
Nick Paskal
Joe and Chris Patrico
The Perryman Family
John and Linda Purses
Gene and Marcia Roentz
Reann Roggenkamp
Mary Rosenberg
David and Katie Sarniguet
John and Janet Shetterly
Karen and Fred Smith
Kimberly Smith
William and Mary Spencer
Jack and Mary Thien
Raymond Trautman
Diane Voigt
Margie Wasielewski
Phyllis Sandweiss
Kenneth Lander
Jonathan Shelley
Rosalynn Petrasek
Nicholas Sotiropoulos
Sarah Sotiropoulos
Griffin Thomas
Kathy Thomas
Wolf and Celia Turec
Ben and Jill Turec
Jack Vollmer
Dave and Cathy Rodgers
Wendy Wildberger
John Short
Cindy and Alan Woods
Joe Yuska
Linda and Vance Hodge
16 Sunnen Drive, Suite 161
St. Louis, MO 63143
UPCOMING EVENTS
FUNDRAISERS BENEFITING FRIENDS OF KIDS WITH CANCER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024
Fashion Show & Boutique at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis 12 Bars of Charity
Bar Crawl at Downtown St. Louis & Soulard Young Friends of Kids with Cancer
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025
Trivia Night at Moolah Shrine Center
Friends of Kids with Cancer
NON-PROFIT
U.S. Postage PAID
St. Louis, MO Permit No. 1197
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025
Walk with a Friend at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
@friends_of_kids
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Young Friends of Kids with Cancer Voodoo in the Lou at The Fabulous Fox Theatre
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
Golf Tournament & Auction at Whitmoor Country Club
Friends of Kids with Cancer
Friends of Kids with Cancer