Riley Children’s Foundation announces gift to enhance access to behavioral health services
Indianapolis – Riley Children’s Foundation today announced a $100,000 gift from Leanna and Cody Zeller’s Like a Child Foundation to combat Indiana’s youth mental health crisis.
This donation is the largest gift the Like a Child Foundation has made since its inception in 2019. The gift will support the Riley Children’s Health plan to enhance access to high-quality, evidence-based outpatient behavioral health services, including more intensive outpatient treatment for children who require it. The Zellers formed the Like a Child Foundation to celebrate and preserve the joy, curiosity and innocence of childhood by providing resources for children and families to achieve their highest potential.
“Riley has had a special place in our hearts, and we could not be more delighted for this to be our first gift as a couple. Before our wedding, we toured Riley Hospital for Children and our hearts ached as we learned more about the mental health conditions our children and teenagers are challenged with daily,” said the Zellers. “At the same time, we were inspired by the quality of Riley’s work to get patients and families to the right place at the right time. We hope this fund inclines others to join us in supporting Riley’s outpatient therapy programs to help our youth live the most fulfilling lives possible.”
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Indiana adolescents, and rates are growing faster here than in at least 40 states. Recognizing the scope of the crisis, Riley Children’s convened more than 220 leaders throughout Indiana to develop a statewide pediatric and adolescent behavioral health strategic plan. Increasing access to outpatient services is pivotal to the strategy.
“We owe it to children who are struggling with mental and behavioral health conditions to ensure they get the care and support they need to thrive,” said Elizabeth A. Elkas, Riley Children’s Foundation President and CEO. “We’re immensely grateful to Cody and Leanna for their generosity. This gift will help more kids get the help they desperately need.”
About the Donors
Cody Zeller is a professional basketball player in the NBA, where he just completed his 11th season after playing collegiately at Indiana University. He is no stranger to Riley Children’s Foundation. His support has included asking Riley kids to help design shoes Cody wore in a game during the regular season before gifting the shoes to Riley for auction along with a donation.
Leanna Zeller moved to Nashville in 2018 to chase her dream of being a singer-songwriter and quickly became known for her powerful lyrics and impactful songs. Her recently released album, Still Waters, is full of uplifting music that encourages her listeners to push through stress, anxiety, and fear.
Cody and Leanna were married in 2023 and continue to use their platforms to raise awareness and support for kids, through their Like A Child foundation.
About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation is Indiana’s preeminent nonprofit dedicated to funding children’s healthcare and the founding organization that opened Riley Hospital for Children in 1924. Today, Riley Children’s Foundation inspires our communities to invest in world-class pediatric research and care at Riley Children’s Health and Indiana University School of Medicine, and in programs like Camp Riley that support the well-being of kids and families.