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National Nonprofit Announces Three Awards Honoring Individuals Who Are Committed to Impacting Children's Healthcare

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is thrilled to recognize a group of honorees from children's hospitals nationwide who have made significant contributions to advance the organization's mission. The recipients were honored on stage at the annual Fundraising Forum at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek.

These individuals embody exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment to their partners, and a powerful ability to drive positive change, making them invaluable assets to their teams and the organization.

Program Director of the Year: Kate Ryan,
Kate Ryan has been instrumental in fostering strong relationships with corporate partners, driving significant fundraising growth, and implementing innovative programs. One of Kate's most notable achievements is her work with Dairy Queen. Under her leadership, Dairy Queen's support for Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD) has increased by nearly 700%, culminating in a 10-year, $5 million pledge to the hospital's new mental health facility.

"Two years ago, my son was unexpectedly born prematurely, and it shifted from something I'm passionate about to something that's personal," said Kate Ryan, CMN Hospitals Philanthropy Officer at CHKD. "I'm so honored to be able to do this in his honor and to work with so many wonderful colleagues across the network who are some of my dearest friends now—working together to help change pediatric healthcare."

Foundation Team of the Year:
The Nicklaus Children's Hospital team is a group of six leaders who have worked to successfully execute fundraising programs, campaigns and cultivate strong relationships with donors throughout their market. Since partnering with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the group has worked tirelessly to implement unique fundraising incentives and ultimately increase fundraising efforts—notably marking a significant growth in funds from $1.6 million in 2020 to $4.6 million in 2024.

"This is the greatest group of individuals that you can ever ask for on a team. Every day they look at our partners and programs and look at what they can do to improve from the year before," said Sarah Gauldin Director of CMN Hospitals at Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation. "It's truly an honor to work alongside the girls on this team and we are really excited to be a part of this organization and to receive this award."

Chief Development Officer of the Year: Keith Meyer,
Keith Meyer is a passionate advocate for children's health. He is a respected mentor and advisor to fellow Chief Development Officers and hospital leaders, sharing his expertise in fundraising strategies and best practices. Keith has successfully embraced innovative fundraising initiatives like the Play Yellow campaign. His leadership spearheaded an annual golf tournament at The Tom Doak Golf Course at Rock Creek Cattle Company in Montana, transforming it into a top event for the organization.

"I'm shocked, very honored and somewhat surprised. There are so many other CDOs that I had a chance to work with that have really shaped me," said Keith Meyer, Outgoing Foundation Director at Shodair Children's Hospital. "When my boss and I started on this journey with CMN Hospitals about 6 years ago; it was an organization I really wanted to be a part of and support, and I knew the power of CMN Hospitals – they've become a family to me, and I can't say thank you enough."

The annual Children's Miracle Network Hospitals brings together industry leaders for engaging discussions about principles and practices that drive meaningful change. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from trailblazers, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and connect with a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: 
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids' Health, Change the Future. We've raised over $9 billion for 170 children's hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we're not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what's needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids' and families' minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services.  Together, we can change kids' health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children's hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org. 

Media Contact

Christina Vitale, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, 8012147400, [email protected],

SOURCE Children's Miracle Network Hospitals