Meg Donnelly, star of ABC's "American Housewife" and the popular Disney Channel movie "Zombies," was on hand at Dayton Children's Hospital today when Huffy presented a $150,000 check for the Children's Miracle Network.
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
“I just think anything helping kids is so incredible, especially with Disney Channel. It's very kid-oriented,” Donnelly said following a press conference. “To see them smile, it's just really, really nice.”
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Huffy presented Dayton Children's with a $10,000 check and the bicycle business said it will give Children's Miracle Network's 170 member children's hospitals battery-powered ride-ons for children heading into surgery.
The exact number each hospital will receive has not been determined.
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Bicycles for healthy activities will be given to select hospitals.
In addition, the Miami Twp. (Montgomery County) based company has added the Children's Miracle Network's commerce giving tool to its website Huffybikes.com.
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Online shoppers are able to donate to their nearest children’s hospital after making a purchase. Huffy has pledged to match donations up to $50,000.
Kris Parlett, Huffy's brand and integrated marketing director, said his company wants children to experience carefree fun no matter the situation.
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
“There's an element of anxiety and stress that comes with the medical procedures, and the hospitals work super hard, and their staff, to alleviate that anxiety,” Parlett said. “One of those ways is to insert a little bit of fun. Since we make fun on wheels, we thought that would be a great partnership.”
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Dayton Children’s expects to receive two ride-ons.
Jena Pado, executive director of Dayton Children's Hospital Foundation, said she's seen first hand the positive impact ride-ons have had on children in hospitals.
“These great cars are gonna be a nice distraction for the kids,” she said. “And have them not focus on some of the painful procedures that they have to go through and just allow them just to be kids.”
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