FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elliott Scott
Hospital Hill Run Announces Expanded Partnership with Children’s Mercy Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, MO (May 1, 2024) – Hospital Hill Run, Kansas City’s original road race, has expanded its partnership with Children’s Mercy Kansas City, the race’s official charity beneficiary, to include new activations for the 2024 race which takes place on Saturday, June 1.
“Children’s Mercy is a critically important institution in our community, and we are proud to support its mission,” says Dave Borchardt, Vice President, Corporate and Community Relations of the Kansas City Sports Commission. “We’re excited for Hospital Hill Run to happen on the same weekend as Big Slick this year, driving widespread awareness, participation and donations to such a worthy cause.”
New for 2024, Children’s Mercy will select honorary grand marshals, potentially including a patient who receives treatment at Children’s Mercy, physician, caretaker or Children’s Mercy representative. The grand marshals will be introduced at the beginning of the race and lead the countdown to race start.
Additionally, there will be a Children’s Mercy Cheer Zone along the course. Current Children’s Mercy patients will create signs, which will be distributed to family members, friends, employees and members of the general public who want to show appreciation for runners. The cheer zone is located adjacent to Children’s Mercy Adele Hall Campus on Gillham Road.
Finally, race participants who raise funds for Children's Mercy can qualify for Big Slick merch or even tickets to the Big Slick Party & Show. Fundraisers at the $100 level or more will also receive access to the Big Slick / Children's Mercy VIP area in the Finish Line Festival before and after the race. This exclusive area includes a tented space with private gear check and a VIP restroom, as well as fresh fruit, packaged snacks and beverages.
“Hospital Hill Run continues to bring together thousands of runners in a celebration of health, fitness and wellness,” says Jenea Oliver, Chief Development Officer, Children’s Mercy. “The funds raised make a significant impact on the lives of children here in Kansas City and throughout the region who come to us with hope for health and wellness. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to continue partnering with Hospital Hill Run in a substantive and meaningful way.”
For more information about the Hospital Hill Run, please visit www.hospitalhillrun.org.
About the Kansas City Sports Commission
The mission of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation is to drive Kansas City’s overall sports strategy, to enrich the quality of life, create economic impact and raise visibility for our region. As a privately-funded nonprofit, we are entirely dependent on your support. For the latest on Kansas City Sports Commission news, follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Also follow the Garmin Kansas City Marathon on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Founded in 1897, Children’s Mercy is a leading independent children’s health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, educating caregivers and breakthrough innovation to create a world of well-being for all children. With not-for-profit hospitals in Missouri and Kansas, and numerous specialty clinics in both states, Children’s Mercy provides the highest level of care for children from birth through the age of 21. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked Children’s Mercy as one of “America's Best Children's Hospitals.” For the fifth consecutive time in a row, Children’s Mercy has achieved Magnet nursing designation, awarded to only about 8% of all hospitals nationally, for excellence in quality care. More than 800 pediatric specialists, researchers and faculty are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research and education of the next generation of pediatric specialists. Thanks to generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s Mercy provides hope, comfort and the prospect of brighter tomorrows to every child who passes through its doors. Visit Children’s Mercy and the Children’s Mercy Research Institute to learn more, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest news and videos.
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