visit uhccf.org | | f 2020 | Volume 1 Page 1 Wings of Hope INSIDE THIS ISSUE UHCCF News...................................... 1-2 Matt’s Letter ............................................1 Upcoming Events & Programs ... 3-6 Past Event Updates ............................. 7 Helping Even More Families On January 1, 2020, UHCCF increased the average gross income qualifications for grant applications. These new amounts better align with the current financial situation of the many families UHCCF assists, and help us support the medical expenses of even more children. Now more parents can focus on their children, with less worry about their medical bills. For a full list of eligible requirements, please visit: uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/is-my-child-eligible/ UHCCF Grins 2 Promotion Hits Record Numbers Thanks to our amazing donors to UHCCF Grins 2 , we gave away 848 Oliver bears and 251 Grins to Go™ bags this past December to kids who were hospitalized during the holidays! These gifts brought joy to two children — while one child received a healthy dose of laughter from the Grins 2 gift, a second child will receive a UHCCF medical grant by the funds raised from each purchase. This spring, help us send even more smiles to kids in hospitals. Purchase any UHCCF product and have it delivered as part of the Grins 2 program. It’s the easiest way to make two kids feel great when they need it most. CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR DONATION UHCCF News FAMILY SIZE ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME $55,000 or less $85,000 or less $115,000 or less $145,000 or less Matt Peterson UHCCF President While 2019 could not have been more exciting for UHCCF, awarding our 20,000 th medical grant in July and all the privileges that come with helping people live healthier lives; we have come to realize the new normal is unfamiliar and challenging. As an organization we are dedicated to make a difference in the lives of others and now is the time to step forward to support those in need. Our staff is stable and working virtually. Our anticipation for those less fortunate is high. We will execute with joy and support more than ever. Thanks to the support of generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, our work will continue and grow. In light of what is going on in the world today related to COVID-19, we’ve decided to postpone a number of our upcoming fundraising events. This only gives us more motivation as we seek to enhance the clinical condition and quality of life of children across the United States. The needs of others have never been greater. We hope you continue to support us as we go after our next goal of awarding our 50,000 th medical grant by 2030. Together, we will prevail.
Matt’s Letter ............................................1
Upcoming Events & Programs ... 3-6
Past Event Updates ............................. 7
Helping Even More Families On January 1, 2020, UHCCF increased the average gross income qualifications for grant applications. These new amounts better align with the current financial situation of the many families UHCCF assists, and help us support the medical expenses of even more children. Now more parents can focus on their children, with less worry about their medical bills.
For a full list of eligible requirements, please visit: uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/is-my-child-eligible/
UHCCF Grins2 Promotion Hits Record NumbersThanks to our amazing donors to UHCCF Grins2, we gave away 848 Oliver bears and 251 Grins to Go™ bags this past December to kids who were hospitalized during the holidays! These gifts brought joy to two children — while one child received a healthy dose of laughter from the Grins2 gift, a second child will receive a UHCCF medical grant by the funds raised from each purchase.
This spring, help us send even more smiles to kids in hospitals. Purchase any UHCCF product and have it delivered as part of the Grins2 program. It’s the easiest way to make two kids feel great when they need it most.
CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR DONATION
UHCCF News
FAMILY SIZE ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME
$55,000 or less
$85,000 or less
$115,000 or less
$145,000 or less
Matt PetersonUHCCF President
While 2019 could not have been more exciting for UHCCF, awarding our 20,000th medical grant in July and all the privileges that come with helping people live healthier lives; we have come to realize the new normal is unfamiliar and challenging. As an organization we are dedicated to make a difference in the lives of others and now is the time to step forward to support those in need. Our staff is stable and working virtually. Our anticipation for those less fortunate is high. We will execute with joy and support more than ever. Thanks to the support of generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, our work will continue and grow.
In light of what is going on in the world today related to COVID-19, we’ve decided to postpone a number of our upcoming fundraising events. This only gives us more motivation as we seek to enhance the clinical condition and quality of life of children across the United States. The needs of others have never been greater. We hope you continue to support us as we go after our next goal of awarding our 50,000th medical grant by 2030. Together, we will prevail.
UHCCF NewsUHCCF Toys Win Mom’s Gold Choice Awards It’s official. UHCCF is a big winner once again. Since bringing home the prestigious Mom’s Choice Silver Award in 2014 for our Oliver & Hope book series, our Gifts That Do Good products continue to win over the judges. This year, we’re proud to bring home four Mom’s Choice Gold Awards for our most recent Gifts That Do Good products. We love the gifts and difference we make, and are honored to have our products consistently recognized by the industry’s best. To purchase any of our award-winning products visit our shop at shopuhccf.org,
Help the Holidays be More ColorfulJoin our Hope for the Holidays Art Contest for a chance to win your spot on the front of UHCCF holiday cards. Break out your favorite crayons, paints, markers, or colored pencils and start creating. It’s open to all ages (adults too) so send in your submissions and entry form by April 15, 2020, to be eligible to win. Visit uhccf.org/cards/.
2020 Calendar Still AvailableThanks to generous people like you, UHCCF was able to meet its goal of providing 20,000 medical grants by 2020! Help us celebrate this accomplishment — and the rest of 2020 — with the UHCCF 2020 Wall Calendar. Each month, you’ll meet an amazing grant recipient from across the U.S. and read their inspiring story. Proceeds help fund future UHCCF medical grants. Purchase yours at uhccf.org/shop.
Mini ChewieOliver & Hope Puzzles Mindo Mini Oliver
A Tribute to Our FounderIt’s with heavy hearts, that we say goodbye to Tom Barbera, UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation’s Founder, former UnitedHealthcare employee, and board member. Due to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Tom passed away on March 7, 2020, at age 69. We celebrate his life, legacy, and ability to turn a small, local nonprofit into a national Foundation that has literally changed tens of thousands of lives.
Thank you, Tom. Because of you, we’ll always have a reason to smile.
Get InvolvedVisit uhccf.org/calendar to see all our upcoming events. Then, just sign up, show up, and do good!
Spread the Word If you are unable to join us, please consider donating to help our participants raise money or share these programs with your community, family, friends.
Wings of Hope H
Page 3
JORDAN, Age 7Portland, TN
Jordan was diagnosed with unilateral microtia and atresia at birth, a form of deafness. With the help of a UHCCF medical grant for $1,200, his family was able to purchase hearing aids for Jordan so he could live life to the fullest.
Upcoming Events and Programs
Run—or Cheer—for GoodGet on those running shoes. It’s time to achieve your goal of running a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon this year. Sign up with Team UHCCF, commit to raising $500, and run with us. If cheering is more your speed, be a volunteer. All we need is your great motivating spirit. To volunteer, contact [email protected]. To register to run, select the race you’re interested in below:
May 30–31 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon | 5K, Half and Full Marathon | San Diego, CA
June 20 SOLD OUT Grandma’s Marathon & Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon | Duluth, MN
October 5 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon | 10 Mile and Full Marathon | Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
October 17 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Denver | Half Marathon and 10K | Denver, CO
October TBD Teddy Bear Run | Last Vegas, NV
November 7 Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K and Half Marathon | Washington, D.C.
New Date - Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon | 5K, 6.15 Miles, Half and Full Marathon | TBD Nashville, TN
Team UHCCF photos from the Twin Cities Marathon – October 2019
Upcoming Events and ProgramsHope Rides: Cycling for a PurposeSee amazing cities from the saddle. UHCCF’s Hope Rides offers cyclists once-in-a-lifetime chances to ride through the nation’s most unique and beautiful landscapes. All dollars raised help fund UHCCF medical grants. Choose your preferred route—30, 62 or 100 miles.
Feb. 6, 2021 5th Annual Frosty Fat Tire Bike Festival | Minnetonka, MN
UHCCF Hero Days: Employees Give BackBe someone’s hero! Join UHCCF Hero Squad during UHCCF Hero Days, April 1–30. For every dollar UnitedHealth Group employees donate during April, United Health Foundation will double it. You’ll even receive a special UHCCF appreciation gift. Set up automatic payments and help us make a big impact throughout the year. Learn more at uhccf.org/herosquad
BRANDON, Age 15Mount Enterprise, TX
Being diagnosed with diabetes was difficult for Brandon and his family, both emotionally and financially. With the help of UHCCF, his family has been able to cover the costs for Brandon’s insulin pump, supplies and prescriptions, so he could focus on the joys of being a teen.
Mark your calendars for the 11th Annual UHCCF Minnesota Golf Classic Presented by Shutterfly — our largest UHCCF event of the year. We’re aiming to raise $2 million for UHCCF in one day, and want you to be part of it!
In addition to our traditional morning and afternoon tournaments at Hazeltine National Golf Club, we’ve added a new morning tournament at the pristine Olympic Hills in Eden Prairie. All golfers from the morning flights will meet at Hazeltine for a BBQ luncheon that includes door prizes and music by the Mud Dogs. The Hazeltine tournament will also feature trick shot entertainment by a pro long driver, and an auction featuring tickets to the Ryder Cup, tickets to the Insperity Invitational, and private golf lessons with the PGA’s #1 ranked player Rory McIlroy. Throughout the tournament, golfers will reconnect with past UHCCF grant recipients Yszabehl, Jayden, Hope, Marissa, and Kaelyn, and get to hear their personal stories and how UHCCF grants enriched their lives.
To take part, visit MnGolfClassic.org. For event and registration questions, contact [email protected] or call 763-361-9194. For sponsorship information and questions, contact [email protected] or call 763-361-9085.
Save October 5 for two other UHCCF Golf Classic events this year!Maryland Golf Classic and Mississippi Golf Classic. Details coming soon.
ISABELLA, Age 8Gaithersburg, MD
Even when diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder at a young age, Isabella has remained a happy, cheerful little girl. Awarded with a UHCCF medical grant for $2,515 to assist with imaging, testing, and monitoring her condition, her parents are able to smile a little more now, too.
Diagnosed with a tethered cord at birth, little Theodore faced serious challenges from day one. With a $1,600 UHCCF medical grant, his family was able to receive financial help for imaging, doctor visits, and medical supplies he needed to become the fun-loving boy he is.
Socialize with UHCCF!Celebrate your team, entertain clients, colleagues and friends, and help us raise money for UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation medical grants.
Sept. 15 New Jersey Gala at the Liberty House
Sept. 22 Connecticut Gala at the Society Room
Sept. 23 Topgolf Baton Rouge
Oct. 8 Florida Fishing
New Date - TBD Topgolf Atlanta
New Date - TBD Topgolf Kansas UHCCF Grant Recipient Chloe
and her family at the UHCCF
Topgolf Atlanta event
Ride Into Spring Online AuctionCharge up your computer and smartphone and get ready to head online where we will be auctioning off children’s bikes, autographed memorabilia, clothing, accessories, gift cards, and many more fun items! Save the date for UHCCF’s Ride Into Spring Auction, May 5–15, 2020.
Bookmark this link — or add it to your calendar — so you’re ready to shop when the auction starts: biddingforgood.com/UHCCF
Past Events & ProgramsTeam UHCCF Rock ’n’ Roll MarathonThirteen of our best runners showed up to rock the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon in Phoenix, AZ on January 19. By the time they crossed the finish line, they helped raise $18,600 to help fund future UHCCF medical grants. Thanks to all our runners and amazing volunteers who helped support this great cause.
2nd Annual Mission RideThanks to over 40+ riders, UHCCF was able to raise over $80,000 for future medical grants during the Mission Ride in San Antonio, TX, on March 7. Each rider biked through beautiful Mission Concepción, Mission Espada, Mission San Juan, and Mission San Jose. We were honored to have Kenny, our 11-year-old grant recipient from Converse, TX, there to motivate all our great riders.
UHCCF Holiday Programs The 2019 UHCCF holiday programs raised more than $130,000. Thank you to all the shoppers who supported us through the Online Holiday Auction, Minneapolis Holiday Boutique, and Grins2 promotion. Special thanks to our partners Lynch Creek Farms and Poppy Popcorn. If you’re in Minnesota, join us November 13–15, 2020 for this year’s Minneapolis Holiday Boutique.
4th Annual Frosty Fat Tire FestivalThis year’s Frosty Fat Tire Festival, held February 1, 2020, raised over $104,000 for UHCCF! More than 65 riders, including 14-year-old grant recipient Rylee from Alexandria, MN, participated in the event. From the frosty shores of Minnetonka Beach, MN, guests enjoyed al fresco dining, bingo, raffles, and a silent auction for a great bike.
RYLEE, Age 14Alexandria, MN
Challenged with hearing loss since birth, a medical grant from UHCCF helped provide the hearing aids which helped to significantly impact Rylee’s school performance and boost her confidence to enjoy more of the things she loves: Knowledge Bowl, 4H and hanging out with friends.
