A Once-in-a-Century Opportunity
Terri Willard feels like a piece of her family is at Riley Children’s Health. This past February, she and her husband and daughters released a wagon into the fleet at Riley Children’s. The wagon’s personalized license plate bears the name of their first-born son, Aaron, who passed away when he was 18 months old. This past February, she and her husband and daughters released a wagon into the fleet at Riley Children’s. The wagon’s personalized license plate bears the name of their first-born son, Aaron, who passed away when he was 18 months old. “This is something Aaron can still do to help other kids,” Terri shares.
The Riley wagon represents the family-centered care provided at Riley Children’s Health for 100 years. As Riley Children’s bids farewell to its first century and eagerly approaches the next, community members can join the celebration by naming an iconic Riley red wagon.
When Terri received an email from Riley Children’s Foundation that mentioned wagons as a giving opportunity, she felt it would be particularly meaningful to dedicate a wagon this year during the hospital’s 100th anniversary. She and her husband, Kevin, already trusted their donation to Riley would go to a good purpose. Six years ago, the family established the Aaron Michael Willard Fund in honor of their first-born son. The fund enables the Riley social work team to provide financial assistance to families in the form of non-medical needs such as lodging, transportation, and meals.
Funds from named wagons are used to support Riley’s greatest needs. “To know the money is being used not only in a wagon, which is a symbol of what you gave that money to, but also reaching the kids financially is a double win,” Terri says.
Wagons help families navigate Riley and bring children smiles during what can be a stressful time. With philanthropic support, individuals or groups can create a personalized Riley commemorative centennial license plate. Wagons are sponsored by individual donors, events, schools, service organizations, and corporate partners. They can make a direct donation or organize an online fundraiser.
Now that her family’s wagon is in circulation, Terri feels an even more personal connection to Riley. She imagines Aaron “at work” supporting kids like him, and she is certain he loves his job.
Riley Children’s Foundation is striving to dedicate 100 wagons during Riley’s 100th year. Making your mark on a Hoosier icon like the Riley Red Wagon during a milestone year – while knowing that your donation will help the hospital reach even more kids over the next 100 years – is an opportunity that only comes along once in a century.
“It’s not just a wagon – it’s a way to serve kids that are hurting,” Terri says. “It’s a symbol [to the kids] that you don’t have to do it by yourself. You have a wagon here to help.”