Riley Children's Foundation

Kate Bonner, Associations and Radiothon Coordinator for the Riley Children’s Foundation spoke to Kiwanis about the Child Life program and the Kiwanis support for Riley Children’s Hospital.

The Child Life program seeks to minimize the stress and anxiety children often experience by using therapeutic and art activities.   Activities include:

·         Bedside activities

·         Child Life Playrooms on each floor

·         Pre-Surgery programs

·         Comfort and distraction during painful procedures

·         Educational programs

·         Special art and music programs

·         Holiday celebrations

Kiwanis has been a part of Riley Hospital for Children since 1919 when the Indiana Kiwanis District began fundraising for the hospital.  When the hospital opened in 1924, 1,200 children were treated.   In 2013, over 300,000 children received care.  139 children from Hancock County received inpatient treatment and 2,330 received outpatient services in 2013.

Kiwanis raised $150,000 in 1929 to build the Kiwanis K-wing.  In 1958 the Kiwanis Diagnostic and Outpatient Center opened.  In 1975, the K-wing was remodeled.  In 1991 the Indiana District made a $1 million pledge.  In 2004 Kiwanis first Mobile Intensive Care Unit was placed in service. In 2009, Kiwanis pledged $1 million for the “Path to a Cure’ for Diabetes research.  In 2013, Kiwanis pledged $450,000 to support the Child Life program.

Locally, Greenfield Kiwanis has contributed over $5,000 each year for the past three years to Riley in addition to private contributions from Kiwanis members.   For more information on giving to Riley go to RileyKids.org.  To find more information about Greenfield Kiwanis go to greenfieldinkiwanis.org.