Who We Are - Our History

In 1949 a group of civic-minded women saw a need for a dedicated pediatric hospital in our valley.  As these five women moved forward with their vision of creating a "hospital for children only", so emerged the idea of a guild system.  Since their inception, the Guilds have been a vital part of the hospital.  View Timeline»

The Guilds have two primary objectives, to raise financial support and develop ongoing community support for Children's Hospital.  It was through the fundraising efforts of the original Guilds that Children's Hospital was constructed in 1952 at its original site.

Today there are 15 Guilds throughout the hospital's service area.  The Guilds are the largest financial contributors, raising $23 million and have made the largest single donation - $5 million towards the establishment of The Guilds Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Endowment. 

Fundraising & the Guilds

Similar to the founding mothers' concern for providing adequate medical care for area children, the Guilds voted 60 years later that ending child abuse is the next major hurdle.  All funds raised at Guild events benefit The Guilds Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Endowment.  Read More»

Coordinating Council

Each Guild is autonomous, representing an area served by Children's Hospital.  To ensure the Guilds are fully informed about hospital activities and other Guild activities, a coordinating council was established.  This council meets quarterly, and has a representative from each Guild.  The chair of the council sits on the trustee board as a voting member (two years) and the vice chair sits on the Foundation board (two years).

All Guild Picnic

To celebrate the total amount raised by the Guilds at the end of each calendar year, the Guilds organize the Annual All Guild Picnic and present a check to Children's Hospital.  This event takes place each year on the fourth Wednesday of May. 

All Guild members are encouraged to attend!  Read More»

Pink Pig Fund

In addition to organized events and fundraisers, the Guilds also provide immediate funds for hospital projects through The Guilds Pink Pig Fund.  In a wide variety of ways, Guilds collect money from their membership.  The money raised directly benefits departments throughout the hospital, helping to cover costs for projects and items not covered in department budgets.  These projects directly affect our patients and our families while here at Children's.  View Projects & Items»