Aniyah Richardson with Freedom and Goldie
Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has contributed $347,476 over 12 years to support the hospital’s various programs, including prom
June 23, 2025 – It was a night to remember for more than 60 teen patients and their guests at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH), who celebrated a special prom experience thanks to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and the hospital’s dedicated Child Life team.
The prom gave teenage patients, many of whom are unable to attend their own school dances due to illness or treatment, a chance to experience this important milestone surrounded by friends, family and caregivers. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the JDCH Prom.
This year’s prom was made possible in part by a $43,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, which has contributed a total of $347,476 over the past 12 years to support various programs at JDCH.
“This event is about bringing joy, connection and a sense of normalcy to teens who are navigating an incredibly difficult time,” said Kelley Morris, President Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Adolescence is already a complex stage, and our patients are craving the same milestones and experiences as their peers. Watching them light up with laughter, dance with confidence and feel like themselves, even for one night, reflects the heart of our mission at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.”
The unforgettable evening featured a DJ spinning dance music, a photo booth, a magician, caricature artist, cotton candy machine, airbrush tattoos, art tables, games and a raffle. Teens posed for photos and shared laughter and joy in an atmosphere of fun, inclusion and glamour. Many of the dresses were generously donated by hospital staff and members of the local community.
In addition to the prom sponsor Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the event was made possible through the generous support of donors including JetBlue, EntertainmentResource.net, Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Life Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation, Miami Dolphins, Jazwares, Ariann’s All-Stars Professional Cheerleaders, Hooters, Make-A-Wish, S.T.A.G, Chick-fil-A and Sophia’s Butterfly Blessing Fund.
To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and its impact in communities nationwide, visit www.bringjoy.org or follow @joyinchildhood on social media.
To support Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital through donations or volunteer opportunities, visit www.jdch.com/give-back/foundation. The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation helps ensure access to high-quality, compassionate care for all children regardless of their ability to pay, while advancing the hospital’s mission to improve community health.
About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings.
The hospital’s nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.
To learn more, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.
About the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’, provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $60 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country thanks to the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees. To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, visit www.bringjoy.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
