Philanthropy Friday: Kinder Key

Kinder, meaning children in German, and Key symbolizing the unlocking of the heart, Kinder Key was founded in 1954 as a part of the Women’s Auxiliary Division of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Their name clearly portrays their goal of providing hope for young hearts through their support of the Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

On average, seven out of every 1000 children born in the United States have congenital heart disease. This staggering statistic keeps Kinder Key dedicated to these children by hosting special events and projects to raise funds. Since inception 56 years ago, over two million dollars have been raised for the lifesaving work that takes place at the Heart Center every day. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Heart Center is one of the largest and most advanced cardiac care centers in the United States and is able to treat both children and adults with congenital heart disease using the most advanced technology available.

Members and Volunteers Keep The Legacy Going

Kinder Key is successful because of its dedicated members. They are always looking for new members to join their cause. Kinder Key members make a minimum three-year commitment. Active Members are required to make a minimum gift of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for annual membership dues, attend all regular meetings and serve on one or more standing committees. For more information on becoming a Kinder Key member contact Katelyn Burkholder at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation at 614.355.0888 or email Katelyn.Burkholder@NationwideChildrens.org.

Kinder Key is always looking for volunteer assistance too. Volunteers help with Denim and Diamonds in the spring, their caroling event in the fall, or the DVD collection drives.

Upcoming Fundraising Events

Kinder Key has one of its largest fundraisers coming up next couple week:

5th Annual Denim and Diamonds Gala
Saturday, April 24th, from 6p-9p at Martini Park, Easton.

Mix your jeans and jewels! This is not your “average” fund-raiser. It is a fun, casual night to meet with friends, enjoy great food and drinks and win fabulous prizes. There will also be a live fashion show, signature “diamond” martini and a champagne raffle.

Tickets are still available for $75 per person or $150 per couple. Tickets can be purchased on-line HERE.

Since 1954, every December friends and family join together and spend an evening Caroling For A Cause. A special Caroling Kit is available to assist those who want to celebrate the holiday season by organizing a group of friends to sing songs of good cheer and bring hope to young hearts. For more information on this traditional event CLICK HERE.

All event and project donations enable Kinder Key to continue their growing patronage. Their efforts benefit the cardiac catheterization lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, while advancing the hospital’s policy of providing quality healthcare to ALL children regardless of financial means.

Using Social Media

Kinder Key is now using social media to promote their fundraiser, projects and raise awareness for their cause.

You can follow Kinder Key on Twitter @KinderKey.

They also have a Facebook page as well. Become a fan HERE.

Their 400th FB fan will win two tickets to the Denim and Diamond event!

For more information on Kinder Key visit www.nationwidechildrens.org/kinder-key

For a touching, behind the scenes story on a Kinder Key member and mother of a Nationwide Children’s Hospital Heart Center patient visit www.inkindconnection.com.

Philanthropy Friday is a feature article by Michele Savoldi that highlights a Columbus area nonprofit organization every other week. . For more nonprofit information follow Michele on Twitter at @cbusimpressions and @inkindconnect.