Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's 20th Annual Thank God for Kids Gala Raises $1.3 Million

MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Two dozen former patients and their families joined a crowd of more than 950 supporters to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Children's Hospitals and Clinics' Thank God for Kids Gala on April 9.  

The event raised more than $1.3 million for the Cancer Kids Fund, which provides care, comfort and support to cancer patients and their families.

This year's event opened with a performance by the MacPhail Community Youth Choir.  Former Children's patients who have been part of the Thank God for Kids event over the last two decades joined the choir on stage.  

The Thank God for Kids Gala is Children's biggest fundraiser and helps the Children's Foundation support patients and families by providing entertainment for children, assisting with family housing, helping with financial needs, and supporting the medical professionals who provide care for children undergoing treatment for cancer.  

Children's of Minnesota diagnoses and treats more than half of all Minnesota pediatric cancer cases, and 80 percent of the state's children diagnosed with hemoglobinopathies and bleeding disorders.

"It was overwhelming to see such enthusiasm and support at this year's Gala," said Theresa Pesch, executive director of Children's Foundation, and vice president of development at Children's. "Philanthropy plays a critical role in allowing Children's to provide the best possible care and support for families.  That's why we're proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this wonderful event."  

The featured sponsor at this year's Gala was Knutson Construction Company, Inc.  Other companies supporting Thank God for Kids include UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, C.H. Robinson Worldwide and Dedicated Logistics, Inc.

The Gala was hosted by Belinda Jensen, KARE 11 Chief Meteorologist and Co-Host of KARE 11 Saturday, and Jason DeRusha, a news reporter on WCCO-TV.

About Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

Serving as Minnesota's children's hospital since 1924, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health care organizations in the United States, with 340 staffed beds at its two hospitals in St. Paul and Minneapolis. An independent, not-for-profit health care system, Children's of Minnesota provides care through more than 12,000 inpatient visits and more than 200,000 emergency room and other outpatient visits every year. Children's is the only Minnesota hospital system to provide comprehensive care exclusively to children. Children's is regularly ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, most recently in 2010 for it's neonatal care. Once again in 2010, Children's was recognized by the Leapfrog Group as one of the seven top hospitals in the country for quality and efficiency. In addition, the American Nurses Credentialing Center has named Children's a Magnet hospital, a designation that recognizes excellence in nursing.

SOURCE Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota