Miracle Makers: Kiwanis
Outstanding Commitment by a Children’s Miracle Network Sponsor
Sharing Talents with Golisano Children’s Hospital for 25 Years
In the spirit of honoring the generosity of two local volunteer legends, Rochester’s Kiwanis Clubs are marking their silver anniversary of supporting Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Twenty-five years ago, Jack Harden and Bob Calabrese had a vision of extending their volunteer program to help children through the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children overcome any injury or sickness that comes their way. CMN provides a way for businesses, customers and community groups (like Kiwanis clubs) to rally behind their local children’s hospitals more than 170 participation children’s hospital’s across North America.
As members of Kiwanis International—whose name literally means “we share our talents”—it made sense to Harden and Calabrese that Kiwanis groups join the network. Today, their dream has taken firm root. In the last 5 years, the Genesee and Finger Lakes divisions of Kiwanis have raised more than $100,000 for Golisano Children’s Hospital. Their fundraisers include golf tournaments, auctions, raffles and their “Quarter Mile of Quarters” event that took place March 8 at Eastview Mall.
“We reached out goal of $4,000—which equals 16,000 quarters and extends one-quarter of a mile if you line them up,” said John Hanratty, Finger Lakes Kiwanis Club coordinator for the Children Miracle Networks programs.
In the future, Hanratty said, the two divisions hope to coordinate more activities together in order to bring in more money.
Other, non-monetary items the Kiwanis have donated include activity bags, books, Beanie Babies, and pizza parties for Golisano Children’s Hospital.
“We believe that the future of society rests with the children. Among the most in need are those children who are ill,” Hanratty said. “Golisano Children’s Hospital is there to do all it can to make children well; the Kiwanis is there to help in any way we can.”