US party retail group Spirit Halloween has been donating some of the $10 million it raised last year for its Spirit of Children charity, which aims to make hospitals ‘less scary’ for children.
As the largest Halloween retailer in North America, Spirit Halloween set itself an impressive fundraising goal, which it then smashed, raising a record $10 million for its charity.
Over the last few weeks, representatives of the group have been visiting children’s hospitals and departments across the US, donating the much-needed funds.
Nearly $72,000 was given to the Child Life Programme at K. Hovnanian children’s hospital in Jersey Shore, Baltimore children’s hospital received a $50,000 donation, while the Child Life Programme at WVU Medicine was presented with a cheque for more than $106,000.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have again been selected by Spirit Halloween as a beneficiary of this remarkable programme,” says Joseph Stampe, president and chief development officer for the foundation which administers grants to the K. Hovnanian children’s hospital. “This initiative has benefited countless children and we are grateful for the generosity of Spirit Halloween. It has made a tangible impact on the lives of hospitalised children.”
Since 2007, Spirit of Children has raised more than $55 million for Child Life departments at more than 140 pediatric hospitals in North America. The organisation also hosts hundreds of Halloween parties in US hospitals each October so the children do not have to miss out on all the spooky fun.
“We’re honoured Spirit of Children continues to provide magic for children in hospitals through fun and play,” said Steven Silverstein, president and ceo of Spirit Halloween.
“For the last twelve years, it’s been all about helping kids in hospitals. The Spirit of Children mission is to support the Child Life departments in partner hospitals with funding raised mostly from the generosity of our customers. It starts with the Halloween parties we host in hospitals, while the funding also supports key Child Life initiatives year round.”
Funds for Spirit of Children are raised via donations from customers at more than 1,360 Spirit Halloween stores and SpiritHalloween.com, in addition to contributions from vendors and business partners. 100% of funds raised by Spirit of Children stay local and are donated to each hospital’s Child Life department.
