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Area Nonprofit Participates in Virtual Fundraiser

Sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield, participants sign up to walk in teams or individually to raise money for an organization of their choice.

Courtesy of Caitlin's Smiles

From HawkEye Staff Reports
May 12, 2021

Area nonprofit Caitlin’s Smiles is one of the many groups participating in a virtual fundraising event, called Walk for a Healthy Community.

Sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield, participants sign up to walk in teams or individually to raise money for an organization of their choice. Participants build a “community” using a hashtag #highmark-walk or share on Highmark Walk Facebook page.

Fundraising opened April 15, and lasts approximately three months.

The event, “Benefits over 53 health and human services organizations in Pennsylvania,” Spokesperson Amanda Hassinger.

For Caitlin’s Smiles, Hassinger says, the 2021 goal is to surpass its 2020 total of $12,000 and raise $15,000 during the event. This is the group’s 12th year participating. To honor this anniversary, participants can make a celebratory donation of $12.

Donors who give $100 or more get a T-shirt from Caitlin’s Smiles; a donation of $30 or more earns a T-shirt from Highmark. $12 or more to celebrate.

Participants can continue participating in the virtual walk through July 15.

The nonprofit 501(c)(3) Caitlin’s Smiles seeks to help children battling illnesses. In 2000, Caitlin Hornung tragically died of a malignant brain tumor. She was almost eight years old. Her mother began the nonprofit four years later. They create “Bags of Smiles” to encourage seriously ill children. They create other bags as well, along with family kits for practical needs. According to Hassinger, in 2019 the organization delivered 12,485 Bags of Smiles; 149,386 Craft Kits; 19,867 Coping Kits; 2,836 Toys; and 49 Care Kits.

Fore more information about how to participate in the event, visit the Highmark event website. To learn more about getting involved with Caitlin’s Smiles, email [email protected].