171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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January 2008
Feature Story
CHF events large and small raise money year-round for kids
The MUSC Children's Hospital is one of the top ranked children's hospitals in the country, and the Darby Children's Research Institute stands out as one of just 15 in the US. None of it would have been possible without the community and its big and small contributions, says Barbara Rivers.
As director of development for the hospital, Rivers oversees and helps create and direct all the fundraising events and activities of the Children's Hospital Fund (CHF). For 23 years, the fund has played a major role in the development of programs within the Department of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital.
"The Children's Hospital wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for the community participating in these events, from small to big acts of giving," says Rivers. As well as sponsoring several major events each month, the CHF coordinates a host of smaller benefits and appreciation events, conducts tours for current and future business partners, and hosts awareness activities.
"The work we do through the Children's Miracle Network, which has been here since the start, has always been special and important," explains Rivers. "And we have grown our special events to include large functions like our upcoming BB&T Darius Rucker Big Band concert, and our annual Nucor and Bulls Bay golf tournaments. Twelve years ago, we were raising $1 million. This year, our goal is $6 million."
Until a couple years ago, the CHF was intent on securing funds for the DCRI, and raised more than $18 million. Now the focus is on the expansion of several areas including cardiology, oncology, neurology and nephrology.
Some of the year's highlights: This month, hundreds of college students will dance for hours to raise money for kids at the second annual College of Charleston's Dance Marathon. On January 26, the Jerry Lee Lewis Concert, held at the Charleston Music Hall, promises to be very entertaining, with all net proceeds going towards the CHF.
Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish puts on one of his rare big band performances on February 15 at the Charleston Music Hall. "Darius has done this just twice before, so this event is something you will not want to miss," says Rivers. "It's magical and remarkable. He's better than Frank Sinatra." The event is expected to raise more than $100,000.
On February 15, the CHF partners with the Southeastern Wildlife Festival for events including a live auction expo. Rock N Research, held on March 29, is the CHF's big gala, featuring a silent auction of rocking horses signed by celebrities including Oprah, Kenny Chesney and Bill Clinton.
The annual Nucor Steel Golf Tournament in April takes place on three different golf courses on Seabrook Island and Stono Ferry, and generates more than $300,000.
In late May/early June, CHF celebrates the Children's Miracle Network broadcast. "All year long, the local stores of national chains, including Publix, Costco, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, Eckerd's, ReMaxx and Sonoco, are raising funds for us through different programs. Last year Wal-Mart alone raised $220,000, and continues to raise more each year," explains Rivers.
These other fundraisers, month after month, culminate in the broadcast, during which sponsors and organizations present checks to the CHF.
It's this year-round, grassroots fund-raising that Rivers credits with helping to create and establish several different divisions at the Children's Hospital.
"We put on a lot of big functions, but there are also a lot of things we do day in and day out through the Children's Miracle Network that raise money all year. It's a big day, a chance to recognize all these organizations and their contributions," says Rivers.
Several large annual events also help direct funds to particular divisions. Each July the Monica Kreber Golf Tournament raises funds that specifically benefit pediatric oncology. Overall, the tournament has garnered more than $300,000 - which has been leveraged into more than $3 million in NIH funding.
Every August the annual Fishing for Miracles, a King Mackerel fishing tournament at Ripley's Marina, raises about $25,000 that's earmarked for the pediatric intensive care unit.
Longstanding fundraisers are the beloved holiday cards, featuring the hand-made artwork by young patients, and available in numerous local retail stores. "For 15 years this project has been embraced by the community because it's about children helping children. It's a really special program, and raises about $75,000 annually," says Rivers.
Wrapping up the holiday season and the CHF's yearlong roster of events are the Reindeer Run, a family-oriented 5K race that runs through downtown Charleston, and the Mercedes-Benz/Baker Motor Company Bulls Bay Golf Challenge. "This tournament is one of the major events of the year, raising $200,000 for kids," says Rivers.
It's the combined impact of each one of these contributions that helps to provide greater and greater care for more and more children each year.
"These funds also help bring physicians and researchers to the DCRI, people who are the best in their fields and who are making an amazing 80 to 90 new discoveries each year," notes Rivers. "That translates, simply, into some of the best care in the nation available right here."
She credits the community with building the Children's Hospital into what it is today though participation, donations and gifts.
"Whether it's someone running in the Reindeer Run, giving a dollar at Wal-Mart, or making a large gift -- they all help to make these things happen," she continues. "And it's paid off -- the Children's Hospital is one of the top in the country. It's something our community has done that you simply cannot repay, especially when it's your child. And it's a privilege to be a part of it all."
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