From awarding a record-breaking grant total, to an exciting change leadership, to the incredible generosity of donors, 2021 has been a wonderful year for The Children’s Foundation in its mission to improve the health and wellness of children and families.
Thank you all for your continued support. Whether you have shared our message, are doing important work as one of our community partners, or made a generous gift, it is because of you that The Foundation continues to successfully make an impact for children and families. Here is a countdown of The Foundation’s Top 10 Moments of 2021:
10 – Caring for Kids on WJR Radio reached a milestone of 50 episodes! On each show, host President & CEO Larry Burns, highlights individuals and organizations addressing important issues and solutions that significantly influence the health and wellness of children.
9 – Feinberg Hope Foundation and Entrepreneurs 4 Kids joined The Children’s Foundation’s list of initiatives, each creating unique solutions to impact and advance The Foundation’s mission to improve the health and wellness of children and families.
8 – The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund continued to provide aid to organizations and communities impacted by the pandemic. Since established, 63 organizations were awarded grants totaling $578,625!
7 – The Jamie Daniels Foundation Celebrity Roast of Brett Hull raised $370,000 in support of adolescents and young adults struggling with substance use disorder.
6 – First Tee – Greater Detroit completed its first year as an initiative of The Children’s Foundation, serving nearly 450 local participants with educational programs, instilling life enhancing values through the game of golf.
5 – Derby for Kids achieved its fundraising goal of $592,000 in support of pediatric cancer research after five annual festive events. The funds will impact future diagnosis and treatment of children effected by cancer.
4 – The Foundation’s partnership with Rocket Mortgage Classic included a Kids Clinic and putting lessons with PGA professionals, as well as facilitated a surprise $100,000 gift from Phil and Amy Mickelson. This collaboration is not only bringing unique opportunities to local youth but provides national brand recognition opportunities.
3 – Drs. Ashok & Ingrid (Sharada) Sarnaik established the The Ashok & Ingrid (Sharada) Sarnaik Endowment to Create Ladders of Opportunity for Youth to The Foundation with a generous $1 million gift. The endowment will support child and youth development through enrichment activities and educational sessions in Detroit’s socioeconomically disadvantaged but culturally diverse community.
2 – Luanne Thomas Ewald was named Chair of the Board of Trustees, leading The Foundation in its efforts to create happier, healthier futures for children and families. The Foundation’s future is bright under her guidance.
1 – More than $7 million in grant funds were awarded to a total of 157 organizations! These grant awards enabled life-changing research, provided innovative programming and services, and advanced education. As a result, countless children, families, and communities were impacted!
