Giving Day FOR Oishei Children’s Hospital Returns May 21, 2025

Second annual 24-hour fundraising campaign will raise funds

for critical hospital programs and services

BUFFALO, N.Y. [May 7, 2025] – John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital has announced its second annual Giving Day FOR Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH), a 24-hour community-wide fundraising event on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

 As a non-profit hospital and community asset, Oishei Children’s Hospital cares for all who need it, no matter their insured status or ability to pay. Donations made on Giving Day help ensure the hospital has the most advanced technology and training to support critical care, mental and behavioral health, family and patient support services, and other impactful programs at the hospital.

Following the success of the inaugural Giving Day in 2024—which raised $435,000 from more than 1,100 donors across Western New York—OCH is inviting the community to come together once again to support local kids and families as they navigate, battle, and overcome serious illnesses.

 “Giving Day FOR Oishei Children’s Hospital is more than a fundraiser,” said Dr. Stephen Turkovich, President of Oishei Children’s Hospital. “It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together with a united purpose, we can transform lives, strengthen families, and secure a healthier future for every child who comes through our doors.”

 New this year, the campaign will include online peer-to-peer fundraising, empowering individuals and businesses to create their own fundraising pages which they can share with their networks to magnify their fundraising and track their progress, showing both the number of donors and the total dollars raised.

Oishei Children's Hospital will continue its partnership with Cumulus Media’s three radio stations — 97 Rock, 103.3 The Edge, and Classic Hits 104.1 — broadcasting from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to encourage community giving on May 21. With a gift of $10,000 or more, area businesses can sponsor one of the 12 on-air hours. During the broadcast, businesses will receive recognition while also encouraging the audience to donate to OCH in honor of Giving Day.

 In addition to on-air sponsorship and peer-to-peer fundraising, regional businesses and organizations can encourage the community to get involved through their own events or activations with proceeds benefitting Oishei Children's Hospital. Partners who choose to do a corporate event or activation will be invited to OCH for a formal check presentation. If proceeds total $10,000 or more, businesses will also be invited for an on-air interview at OCH. 

 “More than 1,000 donors supported our inaugural Giving Day, a strong testament to the community’s belief in the mission of Oishei Children’s Hospital,” said David Beaton, Board Chair of the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation. “We are calling on our community once again – from small businesses to neighbors across Western New York – to come together and support families in need. Every contribution made, no matter the amount, helps us continue to serve the children and families of our community.”

 Giving Day FOR Oishei Children’s Hospital will be held May 21, Josh Allen’s birthday, as a meaningful tribute to one of the hospital’s most dedicated champions. The MVP quarterback's unwavering support of OCH has made an immense impact for the Western New York community.

 Oishei Children’s Hospital cares for 60,000 patients annually and serves as a regional center for trauma, surgery, and specialty pediatric care for moms, kids, and infants across all eight counties of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. OCH is one of 43 standalone children’s hospitals in the nation, and the only one of its kind in New York State.

 Additional details about Giving Day, including ways to participate and upcoming promotional activities, will be released in the coming weeks. Visit www.givingdayforoch.org for updates.

 About John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital

John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital is Western New York’s only freestanding children’s hospital and the region’s leading provider of pediatric trauma, surgical and medical care. As the area’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and state-designated Regional Perinatal Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital delivers the highest level of specialized care for women, children and infants. Located on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, the 197-bed hospital is nationally recognized for its commitment to patient safety, quality and innovation in pediatric health care.

 Oishei Children’s Hospital is also a leader in pediatric oncology through its joint venture with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing cutting-edge cancer care, research and clinical trials tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents. Beyond inpatient care, the hospital offers an extensive range of outpatient services, ensuring comprehensive, family-centered care that extends beyond hospital walls. As one of only 43 freestanding children's hospitals in the U.S., Oishei Children’s Hospital stands as a beacon of excellence in research, innovation and compassionate care.