enCourage Kids
Foundation (www.encourage-kids.org),
an organization that provides environments and experiences
that help children through each step of their medical
journey, held their 32nd Annual Gala on March 16th at the
Marriott Marquis Hotel hosted by PIX11 Sports Anchor, Andy
Adler. This year’s gala shared the organization’s “Superhero
Kids” Tales of Courage and highlighted the organization’s Escapes program
as this year’s “mission moment.”
The
“Superhero” campaign features the tales of four
extraordinary kids, whose everyday lives include heroic acts
of bravery, strength and spirit. They are each creating
their own legends by experiencing adventures, making
discoveries, and overcoming difficulties along the way.
In addition to
sharing the “Superhero” kids’ stories and Escapes program,
enCourage Kids Foundation celebrated two honored guests
whose proven spirit of philanthropy improves the lives of
children and their families. Representing the finance and
real estate industries respectively, George M. Klett,
Executive Vice President of Signature Bank and Peter J.
Sotoloff, Managing Partner & CIO of Mack Real Estate Group.
With a growing network of
over 100 hospital partners, the enCourage Kids Foundation
programs provide kids facing a variety of health issues –
from receiving chemo treatments in a clinic to those living
with a chronic illness that may not be visible – the
opportunity to laugh, play and have fun. In particular, the
Escapes program provides carefree, fun, positive memories
for children, parents and siblings through organized
outings.
“Our mission is incredibly
important because most of the programs we fund are not
typically covered by a hospital budget,” said Michele
Hall-Duncan, Executive Director of the enCourage Kids
Foundation. “For kids with health issues, care doesn’t end
in the hospital, so we also create and fully fund
experiences for the whole family to enjoy together, which
allows for them to bond with other families in similar
circumstances. We wouldn’t be able to help these children
and their families without the thoughtful generosity of our
donors.”
They also
presented American Airlines with the Community Partner Award
for their generous contributions and 25 years of support for
the enCourage Kids Foundation.
Over 850 guests and dedicated
donors filled the Broadway Ballroom at the New York Marriott
Marquis with compassion and generosity. The evening raised
over 1.8 million dollars to bolster the organization’s
steadfast mission of providing funding to hospitals and
their most critical pediatric programs; a truly remarkable
and record breaking number.
Sticking with
the theme of record breaking, Executive Director Michele
Hall-Duncan and martial arts master Leif Becker announced
the launch of Breaking Barriers, a world record setting
event for enCourage Kids Foundation. Learn more at
encourage-kids.org/breakingbarriers.