How can I help children? It may seem that there is so much need and so much to be done that one person cannot possibly make a difference in the lives of the children and families served by Children's Hospital. But individuals can and do make a difference every day because small support equals big results for our children.
Opportunities abound to help Children's Hospital financially. Each year dozens of fund-raisers around the region benefit Children's Hospital. The events are great for families and groups to make memories while helping children. Here are just a few of our fun annual events :
Miracle Balloons
Year-round
Throughout each year, many area convenience stores, discount stores and restaurants sell Miracle Balloons, Miracle Footballs and other seasonally themed paper items. You can add $1 to your total purchase that will be donated to Children's Hospital. Then just put your name on the paper balloon, football or other item to be displayed in the store. Look for Miracle Balloons at Ace Hardware, Carmike Cinemas, Food Lion, Golden Corral, Great Clips, IHOP, Kroger, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores and more!
Children's Miracle Network Telethon
Each January
The Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Telethon is locally carried on WBIR-TV Channel 10. Making a pledge of any amount to the telethon is helpful. One-time gifts as well as monthly commitments are welcomed. Each year around $1.52 million is raised during the CMN Telethon because a lot of people give a little to make a big difference!
Jammin' in Your Jammies
Each January or February
What do you do after the excitement of the holiday season is gone, winter weather still lingers outside and the kids are climbing the walls in boredom? Wouldn't it be great to go on a fun family adventure? We have the event for you! Jammin' in Your Jammies is an annual event designed to curb the winter blues and give young families a weekend of fun. The evening activities traditionally include dancing to jammin' music, games, prizes, entertainment and time spent splashing in the indoor swimming pool. Jammin' ends in the morning after a scrumptious brunch. Families can attend Friday evening through Saturday morning or Saturday evening through Sunday morning. Jammin' is sponsored by the Committee for the Future.
Dance Marathon
Each February
Does staying up all night, dancing, playing games and being entertained sound like fun to you? It does to hundreds of University of Tennessee students who participate in Dance Marathon each February. Before the event, students raise funds and then dance the night away. Since 1997, this completely student-run event has raised over $840,000 to benefit the Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Endowment Fund.
Star 102.1 Radiothon
Each spring
Star 102.1 radio presents its annual Radiothon over two days to benefit Children's Hospital Home Health Care. Star 102.1 morning radio personalities Marc, Kim and Frank host the event live at West Town Mall in Knoxville from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Radiothon features inspirational patient stories, visits from local celebrities and a terrific silent auction that features a variety of items from local and national companies and retailers, including great packages put together by Marriott Business Services. Star 102.1's listeners are encouraged to visit West Town Mall during the 2-day event and make a personal pledge to Children's Hospital.
Cutest Little Baby Face Contest
Every March
Do you think that you have the cutest baby in East Tennessee? Belz Outlets in Pigeon Forge and the Sevierville Kiwanis give you the chance to prove it every March. Children ages 6 and under are eligible to participate by having a portrait taken by Gary Woods Photography. Shoppers at Belz then vote on the candidates, and a winner is announced. Registration for the event is $5 before the event or $7 at the event, and proceeds benefit Children's Hospital.
Center Stage
Every April
This black-tie gala is one of the hospital's premiere events. It features cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner and a concert by a star in the entertainment field (recent guests have included Kool & the Gang and The Pointer Sisters). A dance band performs following the concert. Bob and Wendy Goodfriend co-chair the event each year. Center Stage has raised well over $2 million for Children's Hospital since its inception in 1993.
Trideltathon
Each Spring
Trialthletes should make plans to compete at the annual Delta Delta Delta "Trideltathon." More than 300 participants compete each year in the mini-triathlon's 3-mile run, 6-mile bike and 400-meter swim while raising money for Children's Hospital’s Camp Eagle’s Nest.
Re/Max Preferred Properties Charity Golf Classic
Each April
Area golfers are invited to be part of the Re/Max Preferred Properties Charity Golf Classic each April at Egwani Farms in Rockford. The proceeds raised benefit Children's Hospital's pre-admission tour featuring "Josh the Dog."
Children's Hospital Invitational Golf Tournament
Every May
The annual Children's Hospital Invitational Golf Tournament at Fox Den Country Club in Knoxville includes an afternoon round. The entry fee includes green and cart fees, lunch, refreshments, participation in the 19th hole and an official tournament goodie bag. A portion of the participant entry fee is tax deductible.
"Baseball for Babies" Tournament
Each spring
Baseball and T-ball fans, players and coaches are invited to attend or participate in the annual "Baseball for Babies" Baseball Tournament each spring at the Powell-Levi Baseball Fields as well as other local fields. Proceeds from the event benefit Children's Hospital.
DQ Miracle Treat Day
Every August
If the hot summer months aren't a good enough excuse for ice cream, Dairy Queen offers another motivation. On the DQ Miracle Treat Day, participating Dairy Queen restaurants donate all the proceeds from any Blizzard treats sold to the Children's Miracle Network.
Bowen Engineering Golf Tournament
Every September
Bowen Engineering sponsors a golf tournament at Gettysvue Polo Golf & Country Club in Knoxville. The event includes refreshments, green and cart fees, eligibility for contest prices, goody bags and a meal following the tournament. Bowen’s tournament benefits the hospital’s Meal Fund.
Oakes Farm Haunted Corn Maze
Each October
The Annual "Trail of Doom" Corn Maze at Oakes Farm, located at 8240 Corryton Road in Corryton, off Washington Pike, turns into a "haunted" adventure each October, with proceeds from the Halloween event to benefit Children's Hospital. The Haunted Corn Maze offers visitors a spooky challenge to reach the end of the nine-acre maze with only their wits to guide their path. Visitors taking the "haunted" walking tour of the Corn Maze encounter many monsters, ghosts, goblins and other spooks along their path.
Knoxville Mortgage Bankers Association Golf Tournament
Every October
The Knoxville Mortgage Bankers Association (KMBA) Golf Tournament takes place in October at Gettysvue Polo Golf & Country Club in Knoxville. About 100 golfers participate in the event to benefit Children's Hospital's Camp Eagle's Nest, a summer camp for hematology/oncology patients.
Phi Mu's "Chili for the Children"
Every November
This event takes place each November in Circle Park on the University of Tennessee campus just before a home UT football game. It offers game attendees a warm bowl of chili, a baked potato, dessert and a drink for just $5.
Robert Tino Holiday Sale
Every November
Nationally known artist Robert Tino from Sevierville hosts a holiday sale of his work each November at Children's Hospital. Tino and his wife, Mary John, donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale to Children's Hospital as a special holiday gift. Tino brings a variety of his work in all price ranges to the two-day event, including note cards featuring Tino art, matted 8x10 prints, art tiles, framed limited edition prints, and much more.
Fantasy of Trees
Every November during the week of Thanksgiving
If you have lived in or near Knoxville for very long, you probably know that the Fantasy of Trees means the kick-off to the holiday season! Not only is the Fantasy of Trees a great family event for all ages, but it also benefits Children's Hospital. Each year for five days over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Knoxville Convention Center is transformed into a winter wonderland with a Children's Fantasyland, Gingerbread Village and Holiday Marketplace Shops so that you can turn your home into a Christmas fantasy! Proceeds from ticket sales and decoration sales benefit Children's Hospital.
There are many other events throughout the year to benefit Children's including golf tournaments, carnivals, cook-offs, concerts, car washes and auctions. Check our Calendar of Events for the most current event information.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to support Children's Hospital financially for every age and income! If you have questions or would like to make a gift to or sponsor an event for Children's Hospital, please call the Development Office at (865) 541-8441.
