Wine, Women & Shoes to Benefit Kansas Children’s Foundation on March 6, 2021

Kansas Children’s Foundation was founded in 2014 in connection with the opening of the only dedicated children’s hospital in our state; Wesley Children’s Hospital. Our name was changed to Kansas Children’s Foundation in spring 2019, to best reflect we serve families from across Kansas. Since 2014, the Foundation has provided nearly $600,000 in grants to Kansas not-for-profits serving our Kansas youth, including Girls on the Run, Ronald McDonald Home, City of Derby, KU Pediatrics, The Treehouse, Valley Center Schools, Sunrise Christian Academy, Canine Companions, Pediatric Dialysis, Heather’s Camp, Explorations Place, Sunrise fully-accessible playground, and Real Life Pediatric Oncology Counseling.

Nearly 1,000 families across Kansas have received Individual Assistance grants, totaling more than $200,000 (average of $262), for items such as prescriptions not covered by insurance, cranial helmets, nonverbal communication device, wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps, walkers, special formula, orthopedic shoes, medical related travel, and much more. The Foundation has served families in 48 Kansas counties and offers Individual Assistance to families of up to $500 per year, per child.

KCF funds five major programs through Wesley Children’s Hospital: Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Facility Dog Program, STEM, and Pediatric Bereavement. Although we wish we didn’t need it, the Foundation supports a Pediatric Bereavement program to help families cope and heal with unimaginable loss. A Hole in the Heart charm for family members are offered. The KCF Funded Music Therapy program is the only pediatric music therapy program in Kansas. In 2020, the certified Music Therapist offered Music Therapy 962 times. Music Therapy is an amazing partnership with pediatric care because it is scientifically proven to reduce both stress and pain, calm the child so the care team can get good vitals, and at times, eliminates the need to sedate, which is easier on the child, better for the care team and less expensive in the process. Art Therapy also provides a way for patients to explore their emotions and experiences while in the hospital. The process of creating art can counter stress and provide positive distractions from pain, illness and associated stressors.

The Foundation partners with Exploration Place to bring hand-on learning (STEM) to children who are hospitalized as both a way to offer stress reduction and respite and to encourage curiosity. The Foundation gifted Carl, a highly trained facility dog, to the families receiving care at Wesley Children’s Hospital. Carl works with children every day and is considered an official member of the pediatric care team. Parents report that seeing Carl is the only time their child smiled during their hospitalization. Carl has also been a comfort to the many doctors and nurses on staff that seek him out for a quick rub of his ear or wet nose kiss during some very stressful days.

To support these efforts, click here!

Wine, Women & Shoes Event on March 6, 2021

A global pandemic has certainly changed the way we get together and, although we’d love to be in person to see our guests dressed to the nines and fabulous shoes, we are taking Wine Women & Shoes to a virtual event on March 6, 2021!

You will still sip fine wines from participating wineries, enjoy a delivered box full of pleasantries with items from upscale retailers, bid on amazing auction items, and shop the latest shoes and accessories from fabulous fashion vendors, all while supporting the Kansas Children’s Foundation. Our world has changed is many ways, but one certainty is that Kansas families are still needing our help and support for pediatric programs, specialized therapies and financial assistance for medical needs!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
AND GET YOUR SIP & SAVOR BOX NOW


Kansas Children’s Foundation (KCF), formerly Wesley Children’s Foundation, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health, happiness and safety of children and families across the state of Kansas. We assist in providing financial and emotional support through grants to pediatric and adolescent service providers, and Individual Assistance to families.