By Dr. Bradley L. Schlaggar, MD, PhD, President and CEO
At Kennedy Krieger Institute, every journey of healing begins with a connection to a community built on compassion, collaboration, and the belief that every child and family deserves hope.
Each year, nearly 30,000 patients seek care from us. Here, they are met not only with clinical expertise but also with a network of people committed to supporting them throughout their medical journey. The life-changing care we offer depends, in part, on the relationships we build, the partnerships we foster, and the community we develop together, in which everyone has a role.
Volunteers, corporate partners, and programs like our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) are the heartbeat of our caring community. Every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, and every partnership formed helps us bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
Our mission to improve the lives of individuals with neurological diseases, disorders, and injuries is fueled by groundbreaking research, expert care, and—critically—the generosity of those who believe in making a difference.
Every day, volunteers help bring our core values to life. Last year, 3,557 volunteers gave 11,390 hours of their time to Kennedy Krieger. That’s 11,390 moments of kindness, encouragement, and joy. Whether assisting with patient programs, adaptive sports or helping at special events, these individuals are essential to our mission. They help transform our spaces into places of hope and healing.
Corporate partners also play a vital role in advancing our mission. Kennedy Krieger offers year-round, meaningful partnership opportunities aligned with corporate social responsibility and marketing goals. Through sponsorships, employee volunteer programs, and philanthropic initiatives, businesses across the region are helping us expand access to care, fund innovative research, and create inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“Without corporations, organizations, and individuals donating their time, talent, and treasure, we wouldn't be able to do what we do every single day,” says Sarah Ryan, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Engagement, at Kennedy Krieger.
These essential partnerships are very much in the forefront as we approach the start of Festival of Trees, our largest fundraiser, which takes place November 28-30, at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.
We are grateful to title sponsor, Truist, and our leading gold sponsors—CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, MCN Build, Rosemore Capital Strategies, and Whiting Turner—for their involvement in Festival this year. Their commitment, and that of many other sponsors at varying levels, transforms our holiday wonderland into a celebration of generosity and community spirit, with decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses sold to benefit Kennedy Krieger.
These partnerships are more than financial; they represent a shared vision to build a healthier, more equitable future. When companies engage with Kennedy Krieger, they join a network of changemakers who understand that corporate social responsibility can transform lives.
If you are looking for a way to make a meaningful difference, we invite you to join us. Whether as a volunteer, a corporate partner, or a member of WIN, your involvement helps strengthen the fabric of our community and changes lives. Together, we can provide hope to our patients and their families.
