2009 Cincinnati Walks for Kids Raises Record-Breaking Amount

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

The fourth annual Cincinnati Walks for Kids benefiting Cincinnati Children’s was the most successful one to date. More than 7,100 walkers, sponsors, donors and volunteers gathered at Coney Island on Saturday, Oct. 10, to walk, celebrate and remember loved ones. The walk raised a record-breaking amount of nearly $675,000 to help bring hope and healing to the families and children who depend on the medical center.

“It was truly heartening to see so many people gather together in support of the work we do at the medical center,” says Christina Mihalek, walk coordinator. “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ and parents’ faces, watching them enjoy the day and being together – people were clearly having a great time while supporting a good cause.”

As a not-for-profit organization, Cincinnati Children’s relies on events like Cincinnati Walks for Kids to help fund life-saving research, patient care and education. Since its inception, the walk has raised more then $2 million for the children and families cared for at Cincinnati Children’s.

Cincinnati Walks for Kids is a great opportunity for families and members of the community to support the medical center and share their experiences. It is also a day of excitement and activities, giving kids the chance to enjoy just being kids. Face painting, Coney Island rides, pumpkin rolling and crafts created a festive and fun atmosphere for all to enjoy.

“We want to thank everyone for all of their support and hard work,” Mihalek says. “Whether you walked, sponsored a walker or volunteered, you really made a difference in the lives of the children and families who count on us for treatments and cures.”

For more information about the walk and to see the top fundraisers, visit www.cincinnatichildrens.org/walk. If you have questions about the walk, please call 513-636-2941.

About Cincinnati Children’s

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is one of only 10 children’s hospitals in the United States to make the Honor Roll in U.S. News and World Report’s 2009 edition of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals issue. Cincinnati Children’s is ranked as the best children’s hospital in the nation for digestive disorders and is also highly ranked for its expertise in respiratory diseases, cancer, neonatal care, heart care, neurosurgery, diabetes, orthopedics, kidney disorders and urology. One of the three largest children’s hospitals in the U.S., Cincinnati Children’s is affiliated with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and is one of the top two recipients of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health.

President Barack Obama in June 2009 cited Cincinnati Children’s as an island of excellence in health care. For its achievements in transforming health care, Cincinnati Children’s is one of six U.S. hospitals since 2002 to be awarded the American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize for leadership and innovation in quality, safety and commitment to patient care. The hospital is a national and international referral center for complex cases. Additional information can be found at www.cincinnatichildrens.org.