Santa Claus came early to Texas Children's Hospital in the form of Direct Energy, which Friday announced a $5 million commitment to the hospital's Promise Campaign — making it the largest corporate gift ever made to a Texas Children's campaign effort.
The Promise Campaign, a $475 million fundraising effort, was launched in 2014 to aid the hospital in meeting the increasing need for specialized pediatric care.
In remarks to a gathering at Texas Children's of nearly 200 employees from both the hospital and the energy company, Texas Children's CEO Mark Wallace noted that the funds would aid in the expansion of the hospital's Heart Center. Last year, Texas Children's surgeons performed 900 congenital heart surgeries and 32 heart transplants, more than any other pediatric hospital in the country.
Wallace was joined in the program by Michael Linn, Texas Children's trustee; Carol Linn of the Promise Campaign; and Badar Khan, Direct Energy president and CEO.
“Direct Energy’s generous support will help ensure Texas Children’s is able to continue to provide highly specialized care to each and every child who comes to us for help," Wallace said. "And particularly to those who are the most critically ill and have the most complex needs.”
Khan noted, “We know our partnership with Texas Children’s will make a difference in the health and well-being of countless children and families.”
Texas Children's Hospital's Promise Campaign gets a major boost from Direct Energy.
The bright pink reusable tote bag has rainbow straps.Photo courtesy of Sanrio