KeyBank generously donates Sunburst sponsorship to Beacon Children’s Hospital

Despite the cancelation of the Sunburst Races this past summer, KeyBank has generously donated its presenting sponsorship funding to Beacon Children’s Hospital. This donation will ensure the continuation of the Child Life Program, which supports young patients and their families during hospital visits.

In addition to this $25,000 donation, the Cleveland-based financial company is also prepaying the sponsorship costs for next year to demonstrate its continued support of Beacon Children’s Hospital, Sunburst Races and the Northern Indiana region.

KeyBank has proudly served as the Sunburst presenter for the past eight years to make a meaningful difference in the region and help customers and communities thrive.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has strained many of the frontline responders and support systems that traditionally carry us through difficult times. They will carry us through, as they always do, but they need more support than ever,” said Nicholas Bontreger, president of KeyBank Northern Indiana market.

“We hope this reassurance of our commitment to Sunburst Races and Beacon Children’s will encourage other organizations to follow suit, so collectively we can all continue to help make a difference in our communities,” Bontreger said.

Beacon Health System canceled the 2020 Sunburst Races out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of participants and the community during the pandemic. Participants who opted to donate their registration fees this year raised nearly $30,000 for Beacon Children’s Hospital.

But during a time when resources have been stretched thin, concerns surrounded the impact on the Child Life Program, which is largely funded by Sunburst Races proceeds.

Child Life specialists help young patients cope with treatment, medical challenges and hospital stays. More than $1.3 million has been raised to support Child Life since 2012, since commercial insurance or Medicaid does not reimburse the Beacon Health program.

“These specialists meet children where they are and provide the emotional support services that can help children and their families cope with and ultimately persevere through their health challenges,” Bontreger said.

These efforts would not be possible without the unwavering support from Sunburst Races corporate sponsors, including KeyBank, who answer the call each year to support the region’s only children’s hospital, said Susan King, Beacon Health Foundation president.

“At a time when so many uncertainties surround us during COVID, we are grateful for KeyBank to be thinking of our youngest patients,” King said. “Partnerships like this one help ensure every local child has access to the care they need, anytime they need it.”

Bontreger said companies like KeyBank are only as strong as the communities they support, and at this time, many people are struggling through the pandemic.

“We have employees and clients who have been impacted. We have a responsibility to make a difference,” he said. “We can make a difference by working with and supporting organizations like Beacon.”