What is the Casey Cares
Foundation?
We are a non-profit
organization that provides uplifting programs
with a special touch to critically ill children
and their families throughout the Mid-Atlantic
region. We serve patients at hospitals
such as Johns Hopkins, Children's National,
Georgetown University, University of Maryland
Hospital for Children, Children's Hospital at
Sinai, Medical College of Virginia and Hershey
Medical Center. Most of the children are
being treated for leukemia, brain tumors,
cystic fibrosis, blood disorders (sickle cell,
TTP, aplastic anemia, etc.), lymphoma (Hodgkin
and non-Hodgkin), sarcoma and other childhood
cancers.
When did it
begin?
Established in 2000, the Casey
Cares Foundation was founded by Casey Baynes
and is headquartered in Maryland. The
foundation is governed by our Board of
Directors.
What makes you
different than other children's
charities?
Because we are a local
charity, we have the opportunity to personally
get to know our families and tailor our
programs to meet their needs. Whether
it's tickets to a sporting event or live show,
a weekend getaway, the delivery of new pajamas
or a birthday suprise, our families'
imaginations are the inspiration of our
creative programs. Activities and events
are provided not just once a lifetime or once a
year, but frequently throughout the child's
illness. Our popular, bi-monthly parties
offer occasions to socialize and support each
other while experiencing new
adventures.
What programs are offered
to critically ill children?
- The
Family Festivities Program offers families
an opportunity to spend time together at
sporting events, movies or local attractions.
Whenever possible, activities are enhanced by
providing extras such as refreshments or
cameras.
- The
Birthday Blast Program helps children
celebrate with surprise deliveries of balloons,
cookies or flowers since this day is a
celebration of life and should always be
remembered.
- The
Celebration Vacation Program provides
getaways for families with the hope of
replenishing their spirit.
- The
Better Together Program encourages families
who have lost a child to continue their
participation for an additional year. During
that time, we hope to help families regain
strength and focus on healing.
- The
Kami’s Jammies Program provides new
sleepwear and themed pajama parties to children
on extended hospital stays. Inspired in
memory of a Casey Cares child, this program
helps children feel more at home in an
otherwise sterile environment.
- The
Caring Connection Program encourages
families to meet, share and lean on each other
while taking part in fun group activities.
How do children qualify for the
programs?
Critically ill children
under the age of 18 are eligible to
participate. The application is reviewed with
the child's physician before eligibility is
determined. Eligibility continues for an
additional year following the child1s last
active treatment and for families who have
suffered the loss of a child.
Are children eligible if they
participate in programs with a similar
organization?
Yes, during this
stressful time in their lives, we believe the
more positive opportunities the family has, the
better. Therefore, we encourage children to
participate in all programs in which they are
eligible.
Are my contributions tax
deductible?
Yes. The Casey Cares
Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt
organization and contributions of gifts are tax
deductible as allowed by law. We provide
receipts for all donations. To view our
990s, please contact our office, or
visit: www.guidestar.org/index.jsp.
How is the Casey Cares Foundation
funded?
The Casey Cares Foundation
is funded through in-kind donations,
fundraising, private donations, corporate
sponsors and foundation grants. We are
associated with the Combined Federal
Campaign. Participants should include the
CFC #4710 on your pledge card. The Casey
Cares Foundation does not seek donations
through telephone or door to door
solicitation. To keep our administrative
costs low, the Casey Cares Foundation does no
telemarketing. During these hard economic
times, we want you to know that your donations
will not be used to pay for phone
solicitation. Telemarketing companies
often take money better spent on programs for
the charity.
To obtain a copy of our Federal 501(c)3 Tax
Exemption certificate, please follow the link
below.
501(c)3
Letter
To receive a copy of the annual report
please write to Casey Cares Foundation, 3918
Vero Road, Suite C, Caton Research Center,
Baltimore, MD 21227.