Help Bring Play to Children’s Hospitals through The Toy Foundation’s Auction
September 23, 2024 | The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) will open its Children’s Hospital Play Grants application on October 1, inviting children’s hospitals and health systems nationwide to apply for 2025 play program funding. Hospitals can use the grants to improve pediatric care and promote healing through play, from creating therapeutic activities and upgrading playrooms to implementing sensory toy programs and more.
In the program’s first four years, TTF distributed $1.2 million to children’s hospitals — particularly those that serve economically disadvantaged communities — and delivered play to 500,000 children and families. Without funding from TTF, this impact may not have been possible as hospitals rely on external funding to provide play to their patients.
The toy industry’s collective contributions help to fund these critical play programs. Earlier this month, TTF hosted its “Party with a Purpose” fundraiser, where all proceeds went to supporting this important work. There’s still time to show your support by participating in TTF’s online auction. TTF aims to raise $50,000 from auction sales, and currently is about halfway to this goal.
“By participating in our auction, you help The Toy Foundation deliver the powerful benefits of play to children when they need it the most,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “Shop, place bids, or ‘buy now’ while the auction is still open — and know the money pledged supports an important cause to help children and families in need.”
The auction features a variety of items, including one-of-a-kind experiences that are perfect treat to oneself, pop culture collectibles to gift loved ones this holiday season, or customized advertising packages to boost your business in 2025.
TTF thanks all the companies that donated items to the auction: Blues Traveler, Bradford Renaissance Portraits, Cra-Z-Art, Crazy Aaron’s, Disney Consumer Products, Entertainment Earth, Jazwares, Mattel, Precise.TV, and Radio Flyer.
To learn more about The Toy Foundation and get involved, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact TTF staff.