Starlight Children’s Foundation Launches Starlight Brave Gowns Program to Revolutionize Children’s Hospital Gowns
We've been working with the Starlight Foundation since July to figure out how we could best partner and put Brave Gowns on children fast and furiously! I am so proud of all that we've accomplished in such a short time! Go Starlight Brave Gowns!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Starlight Children’s Foundation Launches Starlight Brave Gowns Program
to Revolutionize Children’s Hospital Gowns
Michaels provides ten inaugural gown designs and donates first 10,000 gowns as program launch partner
LOS ANGELES (November 21, 2016) --- Starlight Children’s Foundation today announced the launch of a major new program, Starlight Brave Gowns, with program partner Michaels, North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer. Starlight Brave Gowns are made of high-quality, comfortable fabric and feature brightly colored, creative designs that will revolutionize children’s hospital gowns and help sick kids feel like superstars. Michaels is providing ten inaugural designs and donating 10,000 gowns to launch the new program from Starlight whose mission is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
“Being a sick kid stuck in the hospital is tough, and having to wear a thin, drab hospital gown that blows open in the back makes the experience even worse,” said Chris Helfrich, Starlight CEO. “Starlight Brave Gowns are fun to wear and make a sick kid feel good, inside and out. Our goal is to bring laughter, fun and joy to sick children by delivering millions of these gowns to children’s hospitals and other facilities across the United States. For just $25, anyone can donate a Starlight Brave Gown.”
Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician, author and member of the Starlight Board of Directors, praised the program: “When kids are comfortable in the hospital, they literally feel better. Starlight Brave Gowns combine super soft fabric and awesome prints. They are the best hospital innovation I have seen in years.”
"We are proud to continue our partnership with Starlight and to take this next step with them in their important work of brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families," said Michaels CEO Chuck Rubin. “Our mission has always been to inspire and enable creativity and it is our hope that our gowns will not only inspire but uplift these brave patients and their families.”
“We are so grateful to Michaels for getting behind the Starlight Brave Gowns program to revolutionize children’s hospital gowns as we know them and put smiles on the faces of millions of sick children,” said Helfrich. “Michaels is in a class of their own in terms of putting charity at the forefront of their mission.”
Originally conceived by entrepreneur and philanthropist Summer Germann to honor her 10-year-old brother who passed away from pediatric cancer in 2002, Starlight Brave Gowns are made for boys and girls ages 2 through 12. Made in the USA, the gowns are manufactured to meet strict hospital infection and safety protocols, and are specially designed to allow for easy access to heart monitors as well as IVs on both sleeves. Additional gown designs, including seasonal options, will be unveiled throughout 2017 and beyond.
To view and download photos of children wearing three Starlight Brave Gown designs, please click here. Learn more and donate a Starlight Brave Gown for $25 to a seriously ill child at www.starlight.org.
About Starlight Children’s Foundation
Starlight’s mission is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families by turning pain, fear and stress into laughter, fun and joy – because a sick kid is still a kid at heart. Founded in 1982 by Peter Samuelson and Emma Samms, Starlight has helped more than 60 million sick children in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK by providing programs that offer the best in entertainment, education and innovative technology. Steven Spielberg serves as the organization’s Chairman Emeritus. Learn more at www.starlight.org and follow Starlight on Instagram and Facebook at /StarlightChildrensFoundation and on Twitter @StarlightUS.
About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc. is North America's largest specialty provider of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall décor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. As of July 30, 2016, the Company owned and operated 1,356 stores in 49 states and Canada under the brands Michaels, Aaron Brothers, and Pat Catan's. The Michaels Companies, Inc., also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of high quality custom and specialty framing merchandise, and Darice, a premier wholesale distributor in the craft, gift and decor industry. The Michaels Companies, Inc. produces a number of exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor™, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, Art Minds®, Artist's Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Make Market®, Foamies®, LockerLookz®, and Sticky Sticks®. Learn more about Michaels at www.michaels.com.
Media contact:
Christopher de Haan
Starlight Children’s Foundation
424-245-3698
