enCourage Kids Foundation

Our 40th Anniversary Gala was nothing short of extraordinary—a night filled with joy, inspiration, and a shared commitment to bringing comfort and resilience to children facing serious health challenges. ? We were honored to celebrate Niraj Shah and Brian Steinwurtzel, our Michele Hall-Duncan Award recipient, Jacob Portnoy from St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, and our Mission Speaker, brave Luna, whose powerful words reminded us just how much enCourage Kids means to the children we serve: “Before my second heart surgery, I was really upset. But when I went to the enCourage Kids Bear Clinic, I thought it was amazing. They gave me a Teddy bear, and I got to see how they would put in an IV. It made me feel a little less scared. I even brought my enCourage Kids bear with me to the hospital the day of my surgery. Every time I look at it, I remember how brave I was and how strong I am.” – Luna ? For 40 years, enCourage Kids has been making hospital experiences less scary and more hopeful—offering comfort, creative programming, and emotional support for families navigating the unthinkable. ? Last night, we reflected on our journey, celebrated the resilience of the kids and families we serve, and raised crucial funds to continue this mission. Thank you to our incredible board for their steadfast support, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and donors. You all made this night so special. Here’s to the next 40 years of impact! #enCourageKids #40YearsOfImpact #nonprofitevents #nycgala #nycnonprofit

Tonight is the night! Teddy has been counting down the days, and he’s finally ready for his big night out at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. He even ironed his suit coat—looking extra dapper and dressed to impress! We can't wait to celebrate with you and make this an unforgettable evening. If you can't join us in person, you can still be part of the magic by making a donation. Your support helps bring comfort, joy, and critical resources to children and families facing medical challenges. Every gift makes a difference—so whether you're with us at the ballroom or cheering from afar, you're helping create brighter days for children who need it most. https://lnkd.in/gFmgts3V

An unforgettable night is in store as we celebrate 40 years of joy, hope, and healing at the enCourage Kids Foundation 40th Anniversary Gala! ? This incredible evening wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our amazing venue sponsors—Affinius Capital, Mike & Claire Van Konynenburg, The Durst Organization, CetraRuddy Architecture, Cool Breeze Air Conditioning Inc., Olmstead Properties, Inc., and Pavarini McGovern. ? Because of your support, we’re creating a night filled with inspiration, celebration, and impact—all to bring comfort and joy to the kids who need it most. Thank you for making this milestone gala one to remember! ? #enCourageKids40 #Celebrating40Years #Gratitude #MakingAnImpact

March is Child Life Month, and we’re celebrating incredible Child Life Specialists like Alyssa Pettingill, MS, CCLS. Hospitals can be overwhelming for children—bright lights, unfamiliar faces, and scary procedures can create fear and anxiety. That’s where Child Life Specialists come in. They use play, education, and emotional support to help kids and families navigate medical experiences with confidence and resilience. As a Child Life Specialist and private practice owner in San Diego, Alyssa is dedicated to building children’s resilience, equipping them with the tools they need to face life’s challenges. “I’m grateful for my partnership with enCourage Kids, whose mission to make medical settings less intimidating aligns with mine. Their resources, like the adorable teddy bears, have been invaluable in preparing clients for medical tests and procedures!” Alyssa’s work is a reminder of the power of comfort, preparation, and care in turning a stressful experience into one that empowers children. Join us in thanking Alyssa and all Child Life Specialists for the difference they make every day. #ChildLifeMonth #childlife #childrenshealth #encouragekids

Here at enCourage Kids, we are proud to celebrate and highlight the incredible work of child life specialists who make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children every day. These selfless professionals play a vital role in supporting the emotional, social, and developmental needs of children facing health challenges. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a spotlight on a few of these remarkable individuals and their inspiring accomplishments in the field. Child Life Month is dedicated to recognizing the power of play, education, and emotional support in helping children cope with illness, injury, and hospitalization. enCourage Kids is honored to support child life initiatives across the country, because together, we put the human touch into healthcare. With the help of our friend, Teddy, of course! ?? Stay tuned for more stories, and join us in celebrating these amazing healthcare heroes who bring hope, joy, and comfort to families everywhere. #ChildLifeMonth #EncourageKids #ChildLifeSpecialists #HealthcareHeroes

The big night is almost here! There’s still time to join us on Thursday, March 13th, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom as we celebrate enCourage Kids Foundation’s 40th Anniversary—a milestone four decades in the making! This year’s gala is shaping up to be our best yet! Expect an unforgettable evening filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt moments, and a special mission speaker—a brave young girl who’s undergone multiple heart surgeries and finds comfort in her beloved Teddy. Enjoy delicious food, great company, and the chance to make a real impact on hospitalized children across the country. Plus, you might just walk away with something special from our raffle! For 40 years, your support has helped transform medical journeys for countless kids—and we’re not stopping now.The need is greater than ever, and with you by our side, we can continue making a difference. It’s not too late to reserve your table, grab a ticket, or become a sponsor! Email Emma Wolk at [email protected] or visit https://lnkd.in/er9_hhSU to secure your spot. Can’t make it? You can still support with a donation! Let’s make this a night to remember.

A huge thank you to our 40th Anniversary Gala Anniversary Sponsor, Rockwood Capital! Your generosity and commitment to enCourage Kids Foundation help us bring comfort, joy, and support to children facing medical challenges. Because of you, hospitalized kids and their families feel less alone and more cared for during their most difficult moments. As we approach our milestone celebration on March 13, we reflect on the countless lives touched over the past 40 years—made possible by dedicated partners like Rockwood Capital. We are truly grateful for your support and can’t wait to celebrate together next Thursday! https://lnkd.in/gFmgts3V #RockwoodCapital #40YearsOfEncouragement #encouragekids #nonprofitevents

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank our 40th Anniversary Gala Presenting Sponsor, GFP Real Estate! Year after year, GFP Real Estate has stood by enCourage Kids Foundation, demonstrating not only incredible generosity but also a deep commitment to brightening the lives of children facing medical challenges. Their support helps us bring joy, comfort, and the human touch to pediatric healthcare—ensuring that hospitalized kids and their families feel seen, supported, and cared for during their toughest moments. As we count down the final days to our 40th Anniversary Gala on March 13, we are filled with excitement to celebrate all we’ve accomplished together. This milestone isn’t just about 40 years—it’s about the countless smiles, moments of hope, and lives changed because of partners like GFP Real Estate. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, GFP Real Estate, for believing in our mission and making a lasting impact. We can’t wait to celebrate with you next Thursday! https://lnkd.in/gFmgts3V

Our CEO & President, Jean Butler, had an amazing time at the North American Toy Association? Fair at the Javits Center this past weekend! One of the highlights? Meeting the fabulous Ashley & Emma of We Wear Cute at the Cra-Z-Art booth—one of our generous sponsors for our hospital toy distributions! ?? We extend our gratitude again to Cra-Z-Art for helping us bring joy to so many children. #ToyShow #WeWearCute #toyfair

Encourage Kids was on hand for the kickoff of 2025 New York Toy Fair. We were so appreciative to meet with our toy company partners who enable us to brighten the lives of pediatric patients with an array of phenomenal toys and games! Your commitment to supporting children's care and well-being during their medical journey is invaluable! Ashley and Emma Cra-Z-Art Charles Zakin Little Kids, Inc. Jim Engle Jason Engle Theodora S.T.E.A.M. Girls, LLC Gayle Keller ThinkFun Spin Master TTPM (Toys, Tots, Pets & More) James Zahn People of Play Ravensburger North America, Inc. MJ Pedone Bill Southard enCourage Kids Foundation My Paint by Numbers Nickelodeon