Are You a Champion Too?

By Dennis Walto, CEO
CHF Benefit photo

We were blown away by the tremendous demonstration of care and support on display at our annual benefit, which took place last week in New York City.

Over 400 people came together to learn more about our work and pay tribute to our honorees, collectively raising nearly $1 million!

Athletic all-stars Allyson Felix, Katelyn Ohashi, John Starks, and Bernie Williams were recognized as Champions for Children for sharing their hearts, voices and financial support to ensure children’s well-being.

Also recognized for their tireless advocacy was our board Vice Chair Paul Metselaar, founder, chairman and CEO of Ovation Travel Group, who received the prestigious Founder’s Award; Comic Relief USA, American Heroes for Children Award recipient; and Kim Mukerjee, MD, MPH, medical director of the New Orleans Children’s Health Project, who received the Irwin Redlener Award for Innovation and Advocacy for embodying the spirit and mission of Children’s Health Fund.

As I told our guests that night, as much as we deliver high-quality care to children all across the country, what’s just as important is that we offer hope to children and their families. We won’t give up on them and will continue to make sure children have the healthcare they need.

I am honored and humbled that the children we serve can lean on and look up to champions like our honorees, and many of you, that are doing something, great or small on their behalf.

And even if you were not able to attend the event you still have an opportunity to show your support by making a donation. Even better, Comic Relief is matching donations 1:1 made through this Wednesday, June 19, at midnight, so please donate now!

As Bernie Williams said at our event, “I believe in giving our kids all the opportunities that they deserve and they are our biggest resource. If we don’t take care of them, who will?”

Photo Highlights From the Event:

Yankees Legend Bernie Williams, Olympian Allyson Felix, Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi, and NBA All-Star John Starks are handed their Champions for Children Award by Children’s Health Fund CEO Dennis Walto.

 

PIX11 Sports Anchor Andy Adler introducing the Champions for Children honorees.

 

Bernie Williams, Allyson Felix interviewed by Andy Adler regarding their advocacy and support of children’s health.

 

Comic Relief USA CEO Janet Scardino poses with her American Heroes for Children Award and nose.

 

John Starks poses with his Champion for Children Award.

 

Allyson Felix and Katelyn Ohashi pose with their Champions for Children Award.

 

Children’s Health Fund President Emeritus and Co-Founder Dr. Irwin Redlener, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Dennis Walto.

 

Children’s Health Fund Chairman Hervé Sedky and CBS Sunday Morning Anchor Jane Pauley speak on stage.

 

Dennis Walto, Janet Scardino, Jane Pauley and Senior Vice President Comic Relief USA Rick Scott.

 

“How to Get Away With Murder” Actress Amirah Vann speaks on stage.

 

Allyson Felix, Jane Pauley, Katelyn Ohashi and Dennis Walto.

 

Children’s Health Fund Board Vice Chair Paul Metselaar receiving Founder’s Award from Children’s Health Fund Co-Founders Karen and Irwin Redlener.

 

Irwin Redlener presents Dr. Kim Mukerjee with the Irwin Redlener Award for Innovation and Advocacy.
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