Serving Our Community...
Since 2012, we have had a Mother's Day Luncheon at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA for the moms who are at the hospital every days caring and advocating for their children. We partner with Chef Leonel Gonzalez of Food Joy Catering.com, who treats all the moms (and any other family members who are present that day) to a delicious lunch.
Chef Leonel is known for making enough for the moms to take extra food with them so they can share it with other family members. These mom's spend a lot of time in their sick child's hospital room. Having them sit on the patio in the sunshine eating fresh, delicious food and enjoying a conversation with other parents is the real joy for us at Grace's Basket.
Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA Run/Walk
UCLA's Student Wellness Commission is responsible for putting on one of the largest student-run events on campus every year - the Bruin Run/Walk benefiting the Chase Child Life Program at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA. Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA Chase Child Life Program was established in 1968 in recognition of the unique needs of pediatric patients, especially the critically and chronically ill.
The program was one of the first in the country and continues to be a model for other medical centers. A commitment to continuity of care and a highly developed volunteer program are two facets that distinguish the program from others. Chase Child Life supports the entire family, helping children, adolescents, and their siblings acclimate to the healthcare environment. Child Life Specialists support children's development, using play and education to cope through life's stressful events.
The program also includes a professional staff with Bachelors or Masters Degrees in specific areas such as Child Life, Child Development or Education. All of the Child Life Specialists are professionally certified and affiliated with the National Child Life Council. Since 2011, Team Grace has raised over $50,000 at the Bruin Run/Walk.
Dribble for the Cure
This fundraiser for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation enables PCRF to support local doctors in their cancer research. Dr. Noah Federman, Grace's doctor, has been a PCRF recipient several times. This family event takes place at UCLA and each participant dribbles a basketball around the campus with members of the UCLA men's and women's basketball team. We have raised over $25,000 since 2011.