Press Release – 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.
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- Visibility kids with two honorees, Alan Roth and his wife, ED Michele Hall-Duncan and clown Looney Louie
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- Tyriee with his life size cutout
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- Honoree Peter Sotoloff, ED Michele Hall-Duncan and Honoree George Klett
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- Gala shot
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.
Monies raised at this year’s event will bolster the organization’s steadfast mission of providing funding to hospitals and their most critical pediatric programs. To date, the Gala has raised nearly $1.8 million for the enCourage Kids Foundation. To learn more, please visit www.encourage-kids.org.
