Hundreds of Kosair Kids experienced the power of Joy at the annual Kosair Kids Holiday Party presented by Uptown Cafe. The event, which took place on Sunday, December 8, transformed Mellwood Art Center into a winter wonderland full of holiday-themed family fun. It provided an environment sensitive to the unique needs of children of differing abilities, allowing them to comfortably participate in cherished traditions.
More than 450 children were invited to the holiday celebration, including nearly 150 children who received assistance with medical bills, equipment, and therapies through the Kosair Kids Financial Assistance Program. Also in attendance were about 300 children served by Kosair for Kids partner organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Quality, Spina Bifida Association, and many more. Events like these are vitally important to Kosair Kids and their families because they allow them to focus on a fun, enjoyable experience, providing a break from the challenges they face.
There was no shortage of entertainment at the party. The event featured games, like giant Jenga and a wheel of fun, as well as a craft area where children could create ornaments and make reindeer food. Children visited Santa, sharing their wish lists and taking photos. A balloon artist made animals for the kids, the Louisville Fire Department showed off their fire trucks, and Farmer Steve’s mobile petting zoo allowed kids to interact with farm animals.
Each child went home with a holiday gift, a stuffed animal, and a book. Many of the gifts were generously donated when the community rallied to replace toys and books destroyed after a pipe malfunctioned at Kosair for Kids in July. Thanks to those efforts, hundreds of Kosair Kids received gifts they may have otherwise gone without this holiday season.
The annual event would not have been possible without the efforts of more than 70 volunteers, generous Kosair for Kids donors, and the title sponsor, Uptown Café. Bearno’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A, Popcorn Station, The Peach Cobbler Factory (Clarksville), and Stanley Brothers Produce kindly donated food and snacks for the event. Ballou Designs and LED Marquee donated décor and balloon displays to turn the room into a winter wonderland.
The Kosair Kids Holiday Party is just one of many unique events hosted by Kosair for Kids throughout the year. The Kosair Kids Experience Fund provides experiences and one-of-a-kind outings for children of all abilities to safely participate at their own pace and comfort level. In addition to the Holiday Party, these experiences include a private Halloween night at the Louisville Zoo, a princess tea party at the Kentucky Castle, and more.