“Party with a Purpose” to Raise Money for Children’s Hospitals

July 8, 2024 | One of the toy industry’s top philanthropic missions is to bring play to children, particularly those in hospitals serving predominantly low-income communities. The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) “Party with a Purpose,” taking place Monday, September 9 at TAO Los Angeles, is an opportunity for the toy industry to join together and help improve pediatric care nationwide.

All proceeds from the event – from ticket sales to sponsorships – will benefit TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program, which funds play therapy programs, including items such as sensory toy stations, coping kits, or playroom upgrades, to normalize the hospital environment and support patients’ mental health at children’s hospitals where 50 percent or more of patients rely on Medicaid.

Toy industry professionals that will be in LA during The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview market week (September 9 to 13) are encouraged to support this important cause by purchasing tickets, serving as a sponsor, or donating an auction item for Party with a Purpose.

“Play is the universal language of children, and we need play for any support that we’re going to provide a pediatric patient,” said Rita Goshert, director of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, a 2024 play grants recipient.

TTF is also coordinating an industry-wide toy collection through the Toy Bank for all companies participating in LA previews this fall. The toy donations will bring the power of play to children in need across the Los Angeles Metro area and nationwide, through a partnership with Hope for Henry, a nonprofit serving patients at 40 children’s hospitals in the U.S.

Laurie Strongin, founder and CEO of Hope for Henry, added: “When a child enters the hospital, they transition from being a kid to a patient undergoing daunting tests and procedures, which, understandably, diminishes their hope and optimism. By infusing the power of play into the hospital environment, we empower children to heal more effectively, return home sooner, and reclaim their childhood joy.”

Since 2021, the Children’s Hospital Play Grants program has funded more than 50 grants at children’s hospitals, and is projected to benefit 500,000 children and their families by the end of 2024. A detailed impact report of the 2023 grants is available to access online, and the 2024 hospital grantees are listed here.

“Party with a Purpose” is the must-attend networking and entertainment event to kick off The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview week, taking place September 9 to 13 at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo. The toy community is also invited to The Toy Association’s complimentary LA Fall Preview Networking Party on Tuesday, September 10 at Otis College of Art and Design, and WiT’s Wonder Women Awards, taking place Friday, September 13 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

To learn more about The Toy Foundation and get involved, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact TTF staff.