Three Can't-Miss Erie Events Supporting Kids' Health
Erie is stepping up for kids—and you're invited!
Three upcoming community events will raise critical funds to support pediatric patients and their families right here in Erie. From music and food to planes and Friends, there’s something for everyone—and every dollar raised supports local children in their time of greatest need.
Join us in bringing comfort, care, and healing to Erie’s pediatric patients.
August 13: Kickoff at the Sloppy Duck
The first event on the calendar is hosting by our partners at the Howard Hanna Erie Airport Office. Join them at the Sloppy Duck for a fun-filled evening to launch their annual fundraising campaign in support of Hamot Health Foundation’s Children’s Care Fund. Keep an eye on Howard Hanna’s local social media pages for more fall events around Erie, all benefitting the same great cause.
October 4: HHF Fun Run at the Airport
Lace up your sneakers for the HHF Fun Run, a one-mile walk/run along the tarmac at North Coast Air at the Erie International Airport. This high-flying event offers a rare chance for kids (and grown-ups!) to get an up-close look at airplanes and airport vehicles.
Tickets are $25/person for adults, $15/person for children (12 and under).
For more information, please contact Emily Kahler.
November 15: Friendsgiving for Child Life
Closing out the season is Friendsgiving, a special event honoring the life of Anna Clare Markiewicz, a beloved local teen whose cancer journey was made more bearable by the compassionate care of her Child Life Specialists—and her favorite TV show, Friends.
Held at 10/20 Collective, the event will be full of Friends-themed fun, laughter, and meaning. Proceeds will help establish UPMC Hamot’s first-ever Child Life Specialist position, ensuring more children and families receive the emotional support they need during their hospital stay.
What's the purpose of the Children’s Care Fund?
In addition to advancing pediatric care in our region, this fund also serves as a safety net for families of pediatric patients. Whether a family needs help defraying the cost of specialized care or a parent needs a place to stay close to their baby in the UPMC Hamot NICU, the Children’s Care Fund helps ease financial burdens so families can focus on what matters most—healing.