#United States #Los Angeles #Starlight Foundation #Award Honorees #Children's Healthcare

Starlight Children's Foundation Recognizes 2025 Award Recipients

The Starlight Children's Foundation has become synonymous with compassion and care for children battling serious illnesses. On August 13, 2025, the foundation proudly announced the recipients of its annual award ceremony, designed to honor not only the dedicated supporters but also the incredible individuals who are transforming the hospital experience for young patients and their families.

With over four decades of impactful service, Starlight Children's Foundation has cultivated a vast network of hospitals and pediatric services across the United States. Its mission focuses on delivering happiness and healing moments to children and their families coping with challenging situations.

During this year's award ceremony, the foundation recognized a group of extraordinary individuals and teams who have made a significant difference. Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight, expressed gratitude to the honorees, stating, "Our work to deliver happiness to hospitalized kids and their families would not be possible without the generosity, creativity, and compassion of our honorees. Each of them has gone above and beyond to bring comfort and joy during challenging times."

Award Highlights

Lifetime Achievement Award

Henry Fields has been selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-term commitment to Starlight—a journey that has spanned over 28 years. As a former senior counsel and partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, Fields has been part of Starlight since its inception, contributing more than 15,000 hours of pro bono legal services worth an estimated $8.4 million. His leadership and dedication have solidified a lasting legacy within the organization.

Golden Heart Award

Mena Suvari and Mckenna Grace, both notable figures in Hollywood, were honored with the Golden Heart Award for their longstanding support. Suvari, a familiar face with the foundation since 2007, has demonstrated unwavering commitment through various initiatives, while Grace has engaged with Starlight since 2015, making an impact through hospital visits and community outreach.

In her own words, Mena Suvari reflected on her involvement, stating, "Supporting Starlight Children's Foundation over the years has taken on a deeper meaning than when I first teamed up with them. Collaborating with an organization that spreads joy and improves the hospital experience for kids is truly a blessing."

Hospital of the Year Award

This year, Cohen Children's Medical Center in Queens, New York, and Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu, Hawaii, earned the Hospital of the Year Award. Their engagement with Starlight’s programs, focused efforts on patient care, and collaborations on storytelling initiatives have made them exemplary partners in the mission to enhance the pediatric experience.

Golden Hero Award

Honoring those on the front lines, the Golden Hero Award recognized the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital and individual supporters Kevin Prefer, Debbie, and Glen Bickerstaff. These recipients have shown unwavering dedication to improving the hospital journey for children and have made significant contributions in fundraising and program support.

Prefer, driven by personal loss, raised $30,000 for Starlight's initiatives, stating, "It’s about giving back and ensuring others have better experiences than my son did."

Content Creator of the Year Award

Lastly, the Content Creator of the Year Award was given to TheJang, Quiltoni, and NinePointFive. These amazing individuals leveraged their platforms to spread awareness and contribute significantly to Starlight’s cause, gathering over $90,000 to support hospitalized children.

In conclusion, the awards highlight the tremendous impact that compassion and dedication can have on the lives of seriously ill children. The Starlight Children's Foundation continues to uphold its motto—Healing begins with happiness—through its commitment to innovative programs and unwavering support for families navigating difficult health journeys. To learn more about the recipients and Starlight’s impactful work, visit starlight.org and follow the foundation on social media @starlightchildrensfoundation.