Celebrate!
Supporting Children with Cancer
May 20, 2017
Embarcadero Marina Park North
Benefiting the Patients and Families at
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego
Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
We Celebrate Our Sponsors
Celebrate!
Dear Supporters and Friends,
The La Playa Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary invites you to join the
Celebration of Champions® as we celebrate our 22nd year!
Thank you to our returning sponsors whose continued generous support provided
$547,000 last year for critical programs at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood
Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. Together, we helped hundreds of
young cancer patients and their families deal with the most challenging and devastating
experience of their lives, while simultaneously supporting our healing team.
Hervey Family Fund at The San Diego Foundation
The Peckham Family
Charles R. Cono in Memoriam
Go Champions!
Isabella’s Gift, remembering Isabella
AMETEK Programmable Power
Fish & Richardson, P.C.
FREEMAN
Vanya and Jerry Hilbert
MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
Marilyn and Dr. Michael Kelley
RFT Management & Development Co.
Sullivan Moving & Storage
SWEET DENISE, Thank you
Arrieta Construction, Inc.
Creative Fusion
Genny and King Deutsch
Frazee Family
Jersey Mike’s Subs
L+L Printers
MADCAPS 7th Grade Class
Mirati Therapeutics
Pfizer
Port of San Diego
RCHA La Playa Unit
San Elijo Saints
Gabriela and Charles Sanders
Dossy and Jack White
Additionally, we thank our more than 125 Bronze Sponsors and Donors!
We welcome new sponsors to one of the most worthy causes in San Diego. You are
asked by many noble charities to donate because you care about our community,
yet the Celebration of Champions stands out because it provides vital funding for
unique pediatric cancer support programs that would not exist without the generosity
of our sponsors. Just as importantly, we provide a memorable day away from the hospital
filled with fun, laughter, and inspiration—for patients, families, and sponsors alike.
We hope you’ll join us in making our 22nd year our best yet! I look forward to seeing
you on May 20, 2017
Julie Frost-Gildred Connolly
2017 SPONSORSHIP CHAIR
[email protected]
Visit: www.celebrationofchampions.com
Supporting Children with Cancer
Event Quick Facts
a letter from a
True Champion
22nd Annual Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego Celebration of Champions®
May 20, 2016 | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm | Embarcadero Marina Park North
Presented by the La Playa Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary
Event Schedule
What an honor and blessing for my daughter,
Kaylee Mikulsky, as this year’s featured Champion,
to represent all the brave children participating in
the 2017 Celebration of Champions®. Her story
truly speaks to the need for the cancer care support
services funded by the Celebration of Champions.
Your heart stops when you hear that your child has
cancer … even when you are an oncology nurse at
Rady Children’s Hospital, as I am. On January 15,
2016, my strong-willed Kaylee, at 2-½, was
diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
which began with days of extremely high fevers,
shaking and vomiting. After diagnosis, she was
immediately transferred to the Peckham Center for
Cancer and Blood Disorders, the same department
where I have worked for eight years.
Even though I have nursed many children through diagnosis and treatment, to go through this with my own
daughter has been heart wrenching. As a healthcare professional I have an “insider’s” view of the terrible
tragedy that befalls an entire family when a child is diagnosed with cancer or other blood disorder. The
emotional support programs offered by the Peckham Center, and funded in part by the Celebration of
Champions, allow my colleagues to reach out in a very personal and customized way to every family that
enters the Center’s doors. The doctors, hematology/oncology parent liaisons, child-life specialists, clinical
social workers and the entire hem/oc team are supportive angels at a crisis time in a child’s and family’s life.
On behalf of all Champions, including Kaylee and the hundreds of children who will be treated at the Peckham
Center this year, and the staff of nearly 200 health care professionals who care for them … THANK YOU for
your support. It gives hope and encouragement to these children and families during their fight with cancer.
And most especially, thank you for donations that fund programs Kaylee, I and my family will rely upon until
the Spring of 2018 when her treatment program is completed.
Kelly Mikulsky
Visit: www.celebrationofchampions.com
8:30 am to 9:30 am
9:45 am to 10:00 am
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
12:00 pm
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm to 1:15 pm
2:00 pm
Event Check In
Opening Ceremony
Celebration of Champions Relay
Closing Ceremony
Picnic Lunch,
Music & Entertainment,
Champion’s Carnival
Awards Ceremony
Event Conclusion
Attendance
2,500 Champions, Families, Friends, Sponsors,
Celebrities, Hospital Staff and Volunteers
Relay Run
Each Champion, accompanied by their sponsor and
celebrity, runs, walks, or is carried one-eighth of a mile
while carrying the “Torch of Life” symbolizing their
courage and determination in fighting their illness.
Event Details
Magicians, clowns, llamas, celebrities and other entertainers provide pre-Celebration delight. After the run is completed,
a picnic lunch, live band, and carnival finish up the event.
About Rady Children’s Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
The Center offers the largest pediatric cancer care program serving San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties. It is
now rated as one of the top pediatric oncology programs in the US by U.S. News & World Report. Last year, the Center
cared for 1,000 cancer patients and supported more than 14,000 visits to its Outpatient Clinic. Although cancer is the
most frequent diagnosis, patients are also treated for blood disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell disease. The
Center offers the only pediatric blood and bone marrow transplant program in San Diego and Imperial counties.
The Peckham Center provides 38 private in-patient rooms specially designed for children and families. These rooms
are equipped with advanced high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration to reduce the risk of infection for
vulnerable patients. Along with offering comprehensive cancer care, specialized hematology services and integrative
medicine programs, the Peckham Center is a leader in clinical research. Now local research opportunities are available
that allow children to stay in San Diego, close to family support, for clinical trials rather than travelling out of town for
extended periods of time to an unfamiliar hospital and staff.
In addition to the healing Celebration day itself, proceeds from this event fund unique emotional and social cancer
support programs for patients and their families that would not be fully funded without the generosity of Celebration
sponsors. These support programs include: hematology/oncology parent liaisons, child life specialists, clinical social
workers, and spiritual and supportive care programs. For more information, please visit: http://www.rchsd.org/
programs-services/cancer-blood-disorders.
why do we
Doctors, nurses,
and families work
together to ensure
these kids are healthy
enough to attend this
event. And they are
there every step of
the way, from bedside
to Celebration day.
Celebrate?
joy
This special event
provides a day of
normalcy in these
children’s lives,
where they can
have fun being a
kid, spend a few
moments outside
hospital walls, and
take quality time
with family.
courage
healing
The funds raised help kids be strong
during their fight against cancer. From
physical resources to emotional guidance,
we give them and their families the things
they need to cope. Your donation helps
them be brave against all odds.
Come celebrate with us!
support
The kids are the real champions at this
event—cheered on all sides by military,
sports stars, and celebrities. They are the
ones signing autographs and taking their
rightful place in the limelight.
Coming together is the most powerful
medicine—no matter what age, ailment,
or walk of life. Whether survivors, in
treatment or remembering those we have
lost, the community heals together.
dreams
Our Champions are the
true heroes: laughing,
smiling and teaching
the rest of us something
important about life.
Because they are our
inspiration—and
because they deserve it.
Celebration of Champions®
Use of Funds
Dr. William Roberts, M.D.
Director, Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
Division Chief, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Rady Children’s and UCSD Departments of Pediatrics
Treating hundreds of children for cancer and other blood disorders is a daily
challenge and privilege for everyone at Rady Children’s Peckham Center for
Cancer & Blood Disorders. I’m proud that for the sixth consecutive year U.S.
News & World Report has ranked Rady Children’s cancer program among the
nation’s best, with programs such as commitment to best practices, clinical
support services, help for patients and families, and palliative care receiving
their highest marks. Many of these services, such as those provided by child
life specialists, clinical social workers, and hematology/oncology parent
liaisons, could not be fully funded without the money raised by the
Celebration of Champions.
Thanks to generous Celebration sponsors, innovative social, psychological
and emotional support can be provided to help alleviate the despair of a cancer
diagnosis, and give our patients the best chance for a successful outcome. On
behalf of the entire Peckham Center staff thank you for your financial support.
We look forward to seeing you at our 22nd Annual Celebration of Champions.
For a fuller listing of the Peckham Center’s psychosocial programs funded
by the Celebration of Champions, please go to the Hospital’s website at
http://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/cancer-blood-disorders.
Hearing from a Special Sponsor
Until May 21, 2016, I had only heard about the “Celebration of Champions.” Never before had I
“experienced” it personally. My definition of “Champion” now has an entirely new meaning.
My grandfather, Charles Cono, one of this event’s earliest sponsors, had a huge heart for kids.
He would always say, “They are the next generation; you have to encourage and support them!”
And he walked the talk, increasing his donations many times since his first contribution in 1997.
I’m humbled and honored to be part of the third generation of our family to support this event and
continue my grandfather’s legacy. The 2016 Celebration was unforgettable, and it had a huge impact
on me, my family and friends. I now understand the special place it held in my grandfather’s heart
and his passion for sponsoring these amazing Champions.
With grateful thanks to all returning sponsors, I heartily encourage anyone thinking of becoming a
new sponsor to join us in supporting the 2017 Celebration of Champions.
On behalf of the Charles R. Cono Family,
Lisa Hertz
Become a sponsor yourself by simply completing the enclosed sponsorship form
Visit: www.celebrationofchampions.com
Presenting
Sponsor
Relay Race
Sponsor
Champion
Sponsor
Finish Line
Sponsor
Starting Block
Sponsor
Torch
Sponsor
Pennant
Sponsor
Tax Deduction
$98,192
$49,011
$24,113
$14,631
$9,724
$4,879
$1,454
Number of Champions and families your sponsorship
sends to the event
50
25
15
10
5
3
1
Sponsor Impact
& Event Benefits
Placement of personalized banner at various locations at event site
5' x 10' (3)
4' x 10' (2)
4' x 10' (2)
3' x 10' (2)
3' x 8' (2)
3' x 6' (1)
Pennant
One-year revolving placement of corporate logo on
Celebration website
Yes, Permanent,
Fixed, Prominent
Yes, Fixed,
Prominent
Yes, Fixed
Yes
Yes
Yes
none
Recognition in Event Program
Premium
2 page
Prominent
2 page
2 page
Sponsor listing
1 page
1 page
1/2 page
Pennant
Your contribution helps in more than one way!
It underwrites the cost for a Champion and their
family to attend the Celebration of Champions®,
where they will spend a day away from the
hospital, filled with carefree fun, laughter, and
inspiration for the road ahead.
Inclusion in Media and listing on Champion Board (CB)
All media
releases,
pre/post event
publications,
public service
announcements
and Presenting
Sponsor on CB
All media
releases,
pre/post event
publications,
public service
announcements
and Relay Race
Sponsor on CB
All media
releases,
pre/post event
publications,
public service
announcements
and Champion
Sponsor on CB
All media
releases and pre
event public
announcements;
Starting Block
Sponsor on CB
All media
releases and pre
event public
announcements;
Finish Line
Sponsor on CB
Torch Sponsor
on CB
Pennant
Sponsor on CB
Participate in Media Interviews
At Event
Pre-event
–
–
–
–
–
$100,000
Supporting Children with Cancer
But it doesn’t stop there. Your generosity also
funds Peckham Center’s unique cancer support
programs, some of which are 100% dependent
upon contributions. These programs include:
$50,000
$25,000
$15,000
$10,000
$5,000
$1,500
Publicity Benefits
Relay Race Benefits
• Hematology/Oncology Parent Liaison
Program – offers peer support for newly
diagnosed families by parents of children
already treated for cancer.
Participate as MC
Opening MC
Closing MC
–
–
–
–
–
Run in Ceremonial Lap
Opening lap
Survivor lap
–
–
–
–
–
Your name on all event t-shirts
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
–
–
–
• Child Life Services – psychologically
prepares patients and families for procedures,
tests and surgeries using tools such as
education, coping techniques and school visits
T-shirts w/event logo for each of your relay runners
35
30
25
15
10
5
2
Polo shirts w/Event Logo
20
15
10
6
4
2
1
Complimentary Lunch
35
30
25
15
10
5
2
Customized Partnership Benefits of your choice
(inquire for details)
1
1
1
–
–
–
–
Participate in Awards Ceremony and/or receive Team Photo
MC at ceremony,
plaque and photo
Plaque and
photo
Plaque and
photo
Plaque and
photo
Plaque and
photo
Plaque and
photo
Photo
Invitation to Peckham Center Behind the Scenes Tour and
Appreciation Luncheon
30 Private by
Center Director
30
25
15
10
5
2
Other RCH Benefits (please inquire for your level)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
• Clinical Social Worker Services – counsels
patients and families throughout the course
of illness, including end-of-life care and
bereavement support
• Spiritual Care – provides spiritual support
as requested
• Supportive Care – improves the quality
of life for high-risk patients through various
palliative care programs
Partnership Benefits
Visit: www.celebrationofchampions.com
Supporting Children with Cancer
The La Playa Unit
Since 1953, the La Playa Unit of Rady Children’s
Hospital Auxiliary has been advocating for the
health of San Diego children. In doing so, our
lives have been enriched by the bravery of
children and their families who face extraordinary
challenges every day, and the dedication of the
Rady Children’s staff which works to heal them.
We invite you to partner with us as one of our
very special Sponsors. Your participation will
provide a deep satisfaction from caring for those
who have received a life-altering diagnosis of
pediatric cancer.
Our Mission
To work in partnership with Rady Children’s
Hospital-San Diego and to support its mission
through advocating for the health and well-being
of children, increasing community awareness of
Rady Children’s, and fundraising.
The production and printing of this brochure have been underwritten by
the kind generosity of Creative Fusion and L+L Printers.
Celebration of Champions® | P.O. Box 6096, San Diego, CA 92166 • 501(c)(3) | EIN 33-0170626 | ©2017 Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary