Our Mission & Vision
Driven by compassion, guided by community values, and committed to supporting families during pediatric hospital stays with practical help and moments of joy.
Our Mission
The 1917 Foundation is dedicated to supporting families facing the challenges of pediatric hospital stays. We provide parents with funds via gift cards to ease daily burdens such as meals, gas, or lodging, and we bring joy to children by supplying comfort items, activities, and care packages to brighten their hospital experience.
Hospital stays are stressful, and families often feel isolated and overwhelmed. By stepping in with practical support and moments of encouragement, we hope to lighten their load and remind them they are not alone.
Looking Forward
"A future where every community has the resources, support, and partnerships needed to thrive and reach its full potential."
Our Vision
We envision a community where no family faces a pediatric hospital stay alone. Through practical support and moments of joy, we aim to create an environment where families feel supported, children find comfort, and hope is restored.
Through events like Throttle Thursday at The Canton Barn, community donations, and business sponsorships, The 1917 Foundation raises funds to sustain these efforts year-round. Every dollar goes directly to providing care and comfort for local families in need.
Strategic Focus Areas
Our efforts are concentrated in key areas that directly support families during pediatric hospital stays.
Emergency Relief
Immediate support for families facing unexpected pediatric hospital stays and the financial burdens that come with them.
- • Emergency gift cards for meals
- • Gas cards for travel to hospital
- • Lodging assistance for families
- • Immediate comfort items for children
Child Comfort & Joy
Bringing moments of happiness and comfort to children during their hospital stay through thoughtful gifts and activities.
- • Comfort items and stuffed animals
- • Activity books and games
- • Care packages tailored by age
- • Special occasion celebrations
Community Partnerships
Building strong relationships with hospitals, businesses, and community members to create a network of support for families.
- • Hospital staff collaboration
- • Business sponsorship programs
- • Community fundraising events
- • Volunteer coordination
How Your Donations Create Impact
We believe in complete transparency about how every dollar directly supports families during pediatric hospital stays.
Fund Allocation
All administrative costs are covered by Throttle Thursday event proceeds, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to families.
Our Commitments to You
Maximum Impact
100% of every donation goes directly to supporting families, ensuring your contribution creates maximum impact for those in need.
Full Transparency
Detailed reporting on families helped, funds distributed, and impact stories available to all donors regularly.
Strategic Partnerships
We work directly with hospitals to identify families in need and coordinate with community partners to maximize support.
Long-term Focus
Building sustainable funding through annual events and partnerships to ensure ongoing support for families year-round.
Join Us in Our Mission
We believe that when our community comes together, we can make a lasting difference. We invite you to join us in our mission — as a donor, sponsor, or volunteer — to help create brighter days for children and families during some of life's most difficult times.
Thank you for believing in the power of community, compassion, and care. Together, we can bring hope where it is needed the most.