Toy Companies Unite to Support Children’s Hospitals at The Toy Foundation’s Fundraiser

Toy Companies Unite to Support Children's Hospitals at The Toy Foundation's Fundraiser

NEW YORK, NY | September 16, 2024 - Emergency departments treat nearly 25 million children annually¹, and millions more children are hospitalized². On September 9, the toy industry gathered at The Toy Foundation's (TTF) "Party with a Purpose" fundraiser to raise approximately $570,000 to support TTF's Children's Hospital Play Grants program. In an effort to bring the healing power of play to pediatric patients and their families nationwide, the program funds play therapy programs at children's hospitals that serve economically disadvantaged communities.

There's still time to support children and families in their healthcare journey by bidding on stand-out products, collectibles, and experiences in TTF's online auction.

The collaborative spirit of the toy industry was on display at "Party with a Purpose," as Presenting Sponsors Amazon and Mattel took to the stage to share the importance of play in the lives of children in need and opportunities for all companies to unite through TTF. Additional support included Vision Sponsors Cra-Z-Art, Hasbro, Jazwares, LEGO, and Spin Master, and Mission Sponsors Beacon Media Group, Disney Consumer Products, Duracell, Kidoodle TV, Kilroy Properties, Melissa & Doug, Moose Toys, and The Pokémon Company International. Additionally, Build-A-Bear Foundation announced a $10,000 donation to TTF's Children's Hospital program and a donation of teddy bears in celebration of National Teddy Bear Day (also on Sept. 9).

"Thanks to the industry's support, The Toy Foundation has improved pediatric care through the power of play to 500,000 children and families," said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. "Our work is not done until every child in every hospital bed has access to play, and the industry's support at 'Party with a Purpose' brings us one step closer to this goal."

During the event, representatives from TTF's nonprofit partners Children's Hospital Orange County, Hope for Henry, and MemorialCare Miller Children's and Women's Hospital Long Beach, participated in a powerful panel discussion led by Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy. Each panelist detailed how play, an unfunded resource, is critical to normalize a scary environment for a child, support mental health, and promote healing in pediatric patients. The discussion ended with how toy companies can support this important work, including financial and product donations to TTF.

These partners, as well as many other children's hospitals nationwide, will benefit from the proceeds from "Party with a Purpose" and year-round support from Beacon Media Group, Mattel, and VTech Electronics. In October, all children's hospitals in the U.S. will be invited to apply for a grant to fund 2025 play programs in their facilities. Visit ToyFoundation.org for more information and to access the application when it opens.

Guests at "Party with a Purpose" also enjoyed fun activations thanks to support from Ollyball, Thames & Kosmos, and Toy'n Around, and a high-energy performance from rock band Blues Traveler.

There are immediate opportunities to join TTF at the toy industry's collective impact, including donating online or customizing a year-round partnership. Contact TTF staff to learn more.

The Toy Foundation™, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association™, is the toy industry's uniting force for the collective philanthropy for the benefit of all children in need. In working together, companies can have a greater impact, and providing access to play in children's hospitals is a priority for the industry.

Follow The Toy Foundation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for Toy Foundation updates and to learn more about the toy industry's impact delivering play to children in need.

¹2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2021 Emergency Department Summary Tables."
²April 5, 2022. National Library of Medicine. "Statistical Brief #291 Changes in Pediatric Hospitalizations and In-Hospital Deaths in the Initial Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic (April-December 2020), 29 States."

About The Toy Foundation™ www.toyfoundation.org
The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is a 501 (c)(3) children's charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, TTF works with small, medium, and large companies to create a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play through three program areas - The Toy Bank, Play Grants, and Talent Pipeline Program. Thanks to the toy industry's support, TTF has delivered play to more than 31 million children in need around the world.

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