A Tigard nonprofit that delivers costumes and toys to hospitalized children plans to host nearly 300 guests at its biggest fundraiser of the year.
The Chelsea Hicks Foundation's 17th annual "Once Upon a Time: A Night to Sparkle" costume ball and gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 23.
The foundation was started by Jason and Alison Hicks after their youngest daughter, Chelsea, died from childhood cancer in February 2009 at age 5. Chelsea spent 22 months in treatment, and her parents saw how dress-up play lifted her spirits during that time.
Since then, the organization has served more than 27,000 children and families, according to a contributed article the foundation's development director, Laura Queen, wrote for Tualatin Life. Its primary program, Chelsea's Closet, uses mobile closets to bring brand-new costumes, toys and accessories to children in hospitals. Kids choose costumes they keep. The foundation also ships more than 200 Costume Care Packages each month to families in more than 35 states.
The organization partners with Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, among other facilities across Oregon.
All of that runs on two and a half staff members and a team of volunteers, out of an office at 14865 SW 74th Ave., Suite 280, in Tigard.
New this year is a "Moment to Shine" runway experience, where children served by the foundation will walk a runway while their stories are shared with the audience.
"These children have endured so much," founder and executive director Alison Hicks said in the contributed article. "Seeing them walk that runway smiling, confident, joyful, and proud will be incredibly emotional."
The evening features dinner, auctions, entertainment and storytelling. Proceeds support hospital visits, permanent hospital closets, care packages and expanded outreach.
The foundation is seeking sponsors, auction donations, volunteers and community partners. Residents can find ticket and sponsorship information at chelseahicksfoundation.org.
Coming up in the Tigard area:
- Sept. 23 — Ticket purchase deadline for the Chelsea Hicks Foundation gala
- Oct. 10 — "Once Upon a Time: A Night to Sparkle" costume ball and gala, 5 p.m., Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
