As we look back on 2020, a lot of words come to mind. Unprecedented. Uncertain. But this one might surprise you: EXTRAORDINARY. That’s because, in the midst of it all, a community of champions—you, and others like you—rose up to protect children. You funded research. Sold lemonade. Bought meals. Donated generously.
There are so many ways you made a difference for Children’s Health℠ in 2020. Let’s look back at some of them:
$500K+ raised by Children’s Health employees
Team members bring the Children’s Health mission to life by dedicating their time and talents to our patients. Over $500,000 was raised by employees who chose to also give their treasure. One of these generous employees is Wendell, a security officer at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Meet Wendell.
508 monthly donors
From payroll contributions to recurring online gifts, 508 monthly donors help provide us with a regular, more efficient source of funding. Become a monthly donor.
#2 on the North Texas Giving Day leaderboard
North Texas Giving Day (NTGD) is a community-wide initiative providing people the opportunity to support their favorite local nonprofit. In 2020 over 1,000 donors chose Children’s Health as their charity of choice, landing us at #2 on the NTGD leaderboard with over $1.1 million in gifts. Learn more about this year’s event and the kids you supported through your gifts.
First Beneficiary of Over the Top NYE
Children’s Health rang in the new year in a big way as the first-ever beneficiary for Reunion Tower’s Over the Top NYE fireworks celebration. The support of the community raised awareness and funds for our patients who sparkle bright. Watch a replay of the spectacular on our website.
Over 1,000 active research studies
Groundbreaking discoveries require philanthropic support to fund the work and launch new ideas. Through our newly launched Innovators program, you can help direct funding for the future of promising pediatric research. Get involved with Innovators.
Donations supporting our team during COVID-19
COVID-19 changed life for everyone, especially for health care heroes. The North Texas community generously donated over 50,000 meals and 10,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to keep our frontline workers as safe as possible. Learn more about how our caregivers have navigated this unprecedented year.
65+ corporate partners
Over 65 companies, including Capital One, Park Place, Spirit Halloween and Walmart, have donated through financial or in-kind gifts in support of Children’s Health. A corporate partnership with Children’s Health provides a valuable way to align your brand with a trusted and highly recognizable cause, and we offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement. Learn more about corporate giving.
2,329 BOO signs placed in yards
Our community got into the spirit of Halloween and participated in annual neighborhood trickery through the Women’s Auxiliary BOO Yard Sign Challenge. Neighbors were in for a treat, as 2,329 BOO signs were placed in their yards through October. Proceeds of every sign benefitted patient programs and services, helping to provide Halloween treats to patients. Learn more about the annual event.
100+ Virtual Story Times recorded by volunteers
One of the most popular ways our volunteers serve is by reading to our beloved patients. Over 100 virtual story times were recorded by volunteers who still were able to continue doing what they enjoy, as in-person opportunities took a pause. See how our volunteers adapted in 2020.
More than 1,100 virtual NorthPark Santa visits
Could you imagine the holidays without Santa? We sure couldn’t. With the pandemic eliminating in-person events, we were able to bring the magic of Christmas to over 1,100 homes through the Women’s Auxiliary of Children’s Medical Center Dallas and NorthPark Center’s A Season of Giving, hosting virtual visits with Santa. Learn more about NorthPark Santa.
1 FaceTime Wedding
One nurse couldn’t imagine her big day without her team members by her side. Her team helped bring everyone together in a creative way. Thanks to technology, she was able to make her dreams come true and had her happily ever after through FaceTime.
14,800+ eCards sent to patients and caregivers
Receiving a card from anyone can bring the biggest smile to your face. At Children’s we love smiles, and had over 14,800 eCards sent to patient and caregivers to let them know how much they are loved. Read some of the cards that our patients received.
Our 300th heart transplant
Children’s Health is a place where miracles happen for many patients and their families. Baby Miles Rivas, the 300th heart transplant in Dallas, entered our Heart Center for his treatment. The Heart Center is nationally ranked, providing outstanding pediatric cardiac care and recovery, ensuring patients have lasting lives. Learn more about the Heart Center.
$1.8 million donated to COVID Response Fund
The Children’s Health Response Fund helped the hospital quickly adapt to the changes brought on at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. 919 gifts, totaling $1.8 million, were contributed to the fund, protecting physicians, patients and dedicated caregivers. Show your support for the response fund.
1,500+ staff members sharing smiles through ‘smile buttons’
Smiles brighten up days, especially when its needed most. 1,500 staff members at Children’s Health shared theirs through ‘smile buttons’ for patients to still see big smiles behind the masks. Want to share your smile? Join the Team.
33 community fundraisers, including bake sales and lemonade stands
We love when our community gets involved and hosts events on their own. They held 33 fundraisers, including lemonade stands and bake sales, all supporting our mission. Host your own fundraiser.
$7.5 Million Matching Grant Challenge for Mental Health
Mental health has become a major focus now more than ever, as 20% of children with depression and anxiety go undiagnosed and untreated. The Children’s Medical Center Foundation received a $7.5 million challenge grant from the Hamon Charitable Foundation to fund local pediatric mental health initiatives. Learn more about the grant.
$30 million raised for ER reimagination campaign
The ER at Children’s Medical Center Dallas has become one of the busiest pediatric ERs in the nation. With a commitment to continue to provide the highest-quality pediatric care, $30 million was raised for the ER reimagination campaign, which an easily accessible, street-level entrance, larger patient rooms, and state-of-the-art medical technology and equipment. Learn more about the ER reimagination.
1 monumental breakthrough to inhibit the spread of cancer
Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern continues to research cancer cells and their behaviors. From their research findings came one monumental breakthrough to inhibit the spread of cancer. Learn about the discovery.
If we can do all of that—and more—in a year like 2020, imagine what we can accomplish together in the years to come. From the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of the children and families we serve, thank you so very much. You are all extraordinary, too.