The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center today hosted a special painting party for patients at the children’s hospital. Kids of all ages had the opportunity to paint their favorite Dunkin’ donut or showcase their creativity on a paint-by-number canvas at an event aimed to bring joy to patients through art therapy while raising awareness of Dunkin’s upcoming annual Iced Coffee Day fundraiser.
On Thursday, June 20, the first day of summer, $1 from every Iced Coffee sold will support the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s mission to bring joy to kids battling illness in local hospitals. Funds raised locally will go to the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center to support the Child Life program. Child Life Specialists make the hospital less scary and more kid friendly. They help patients understand the medical environment, and help children and families cope with the stresses of illness, injury, disability or bereavement.
“Thank you to Dunkin’ for bringing some joy to our patients today,” said Barbara E. Ostrov, MD, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Chief of Service of the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital. “We are also incredibly thankful for everyone who supports our children’s hospital through Iced Coffee Day. These funds are critical in supporting the high quality and compassionate care we offer for children across our region.”
Over the last two years, Dunkin’ franchisees across the country have generously donated more than $3.4 million through the Iced Coffee Day program. The Foundation has awarded nearly 200 grants to children’s hospitals, supporting various child life programs. This year, the Foundation aims to raise over $1.8 million, with 100% of the funds going towards these programs.
Iced Coffee Day has raised more than $353,000 for the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center since 2012.