The Joy in Childhood Foundation unveiled the first of 10 Starlight Sites that it plans to build in children's hospitals nationwide over the next year, which is a pediatric therapy kitchen at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago.

The Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, will be bringing even more joy to pediatric patients with a new commitment to create 10 Starlight Sites in children’s hospitals nationwide through their $1.5 million partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation. The Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Starlight Sites will transform sterile hospital environments into brighter, happier spaces for pediatric patients so they can experience more joyful moments. The announcement kicked off yesterday with the unveiling of the Joy in Childhood Foundation’s first Starlight site – a pediatric therapy kitchen for patients and their families to learn to cook meals together – at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

In addition to La Rabida, the Joy in Childhood Foundation committed to open more Starlight Sites in children’s hospitals in markets nationwide. Starlight Sites ease stress and support the overall health and well-being of pediatric patients by providing hospitals with environments designed to be enjoyed by children and their families. Customizable for any healthcare setting, Starlight Sites support kids and families as treatment rooms, teen lounges, playrooms, kitchens, gardens and other healing spaces.

“After seeing the joy that our first Starlight Site brought to kids at La Rabida Children’s Hospital yesterday, we can’t wait to give more children in hospitals nationwide the same opportunity to experience a bright and fun environment that’s designed specifically for them,” said Karen Raskopf, Co-Chair, the Joy in Childhood Foundation. “Our hope is that the 10 Joy in Childhood Foundation Starlight Sites bring greater moments of joy to pediatric patients when they need it most.”

In 2017, the Joy in Childhood Foundation made a three-year, $1.5 million commitment to Starlight Children’s Foundation in support of programs that bring joy and comfort to hospitalized kids, including the Starlight Sites program.

“Our goal is to transform hospital environments into places that entertain, educate and inspire the imaginations of seriously children and their families,” said Chris Helfrich, CEO, Starlight Children’s Foundation. “That’s why we’re so grateful to have the amazing support of the Joy in Childhood Foundation as we work together to bring more Starlight Sites to hospitals across the US and give hundreds of thousands of kids and families a chance to experience more joy and comfort in these vibrant and new healing spaces.” 

To learn more about the Joy in Childhood Foundation, please visit www.dunkinbrands.com/foundation or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/JoyInChildhoodFoundation/.

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ABOUT THE JOY IN CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION 
The Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands, provides the joys of childhood to kids when they need it most. The Foundation brings together a wide range of stakeholders — including franchisees, crew members, employees, partners and guests — and partners with food banks, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations directly committed to serving kids to fund joyful environments, joyful experiences and joyful expressions to ensure that children whose lives are compromised by hunger or sickness have the support and essential services to find joy in their daily lives. Since launching in 2006, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $16 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country.

ABOUT STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
Starlight creates moments of joy and comfort for hospitalized kids and their families. For 35 years, Starlight’s programs have positively impacted more than 60 million critically, chronically and terminally ill or injured children in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. With your help, more kids and their families will enjoy Starlight Gowns, Starlight Fun Centers and other Starlight programs at more than 800 children’s hospitals and other health facilities in the US. You can support Starlight's work by visiting www.starlight.org and by following Starlight on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Joy in Childhood Foundation

The Joy in Childhood Foundation

The Joy in Childhood Foundation provides the simple joys of childhood to sick and hungry kids. The Foundation brings together a wide range of stakeholders — including franchisees, crew members, employees, partners and guests — and partners with food banks, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations directly committed to serving sick and hungry kids to fund joyful environments, joyful experiences and joyful expressions to ensure that children whose lives are compromised by hunger or sickness have the support and essential services to find joy in their daily lives. Since launching in 2006, the Joy in Childhood Foundation (formerly The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation), has granted more than $12 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country.

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