Play is a critical need at children’s hospitals to improve pediatric care and treatment outcomes. Annually, 5 million children are hospitalized[1], and The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Children’s Hospital Play Grants program will have delivered the power of play to 500,000 children and families by the end of 2024.

What we have accomplished is remarkable. With the toy industry’s united support, we can bring play to more children’s hospitals, especially those which serve economically disadvantaged communities, and reach as many young patients as possible. TTF’s upcoming fundraiser, “Party with a Purpose” at TAO Los Angeles, is the perfect opportunity to come together, combine resources, and create a greater impact than any one company could achieve on their own.

Taking place on Monday, September 9 to kickoff The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview market week (Sept. 9-13), “Party with a Purpose” will feature an exclusive performance from legendary rock band Blues Traveler; networking opportunities with the industry’s top movers and shakers; an auction of unique experiences and items; and delicious food and drink, to make for an unforgettable evening. A hospital partner will also be there to share the importance of play in the lives of their patients.

Join us by purchasing a ticket, serving as a sponsor, and participating in our online auction (open to the public starting Sept. 9). All proceeds will directly support hospitalized children and their families and are tax deductible.

We know that play is how children communicate, learn, cope, and so much more. These skills are critical in a hospital setting and to provide play projects and activities, hospitals are reliant on external funding or donations. TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants has funded nearly 60 grants, specifically at children’s hospitals that need it most, where 50 percent or more of patients rely on Medicaid. Without this funding, having sensory toys to ease anxiety, medical play to understand procedures, or an upgraded playroom to provide normalcy simply would not be possible.

In speaking recently with one of our hospital grantees, Maimonides Health, they shared “our behavioral health patients are coming more frequently and staying longer, and our hospital budget couldn’t cover the play tools we needed to support these patients in a way they deserve. It has made a big difference in how we connect with and treat our patients.”

This is only one example; a detailed impact report of the play grants we have funded can be found online.

The success of “Party with a Purpose” will set the path for the number of children’s hospitals and number of young patients we can support in 2026. Every level of participation – and every online contribution – makes an impact in improving pediatric care and health outcomes.

We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to sharing the progress we will make, all thanks to your support.

In addition to “Party with a Purpose,” The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview is taking place throughout the month of September at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo, with a dedicated market week taking place September 9 to13. The entire toy community is also invited to The Toy Association’s complimentary Industry Networking Party at Otis College of Art and Design on Tuesday, September 10 and WiT’s Wonder Women Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Friday, September 13, among other activities throughout market week.

To learn more about “Party with a Purpose,” find details and opportunities outlined here. I encourage you to visit ToyFoundation.org or contact TTF staff to learn how you can get involved in The Toy Foundation.

[1] Source: Hope for Henry.