Imagining a world where every family
with a critical fetal diagnosis has the resources
and support to embrace their child's life.
Join us on May 24, 2024 for our annual fundraiser!
WHO WE ARE
The Will White Foundation is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2021 in memory of our son, Will, and supports families in the Kansas City area that receive a critical diagnosis during their pregnancy.
In January 2021 our world was turned upside down when we received a devastating critical fetal diagnosis shortly after our 20 week ultrasound for Will, our third child and first son.
As the pregnancy progressed, our team at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City prepared us that Will would not live a long life.
Will was born on May 25, 2021 and lived for 4 days being loved on and constantly held. His beautiful life ultimately inspired us, his parents, to take our experience and help others – specifically, families who receive a critical fetal diagnosis.
It is hard to express what families go through after hearing that something is wrong with their baby(ies). This is a life changing, life defining, lonely and scary time for these families. And there aren't enough support resources during the fetal period.
We are working to change this.
WHAT WE DO
Our biggest partner is Children's Mercy in Kansas City – where Will was born and where much of our experience was shaped. Each year, Children's Mercy delivers around 200 babies, 30-40 of which are infant loss or still birth babies.
Through the Fetal Health Center at Children's Mercy, we are:
- New for 2024, we are establishing a Will White Foundation endowed fund with Children’s Mercy and working to determine which area(s) of the hospital are in most need while directly supporting our Mission.
- Delivering an individual basket with comfort items to all moms who deliver at Children's Mercy. We will also be stocking comfort items/necessities for patients & support persons (hair ties, toiletries, snacks, etc.) in the common room of the Labor and Delivery unit at Children's Mercy.
- Supporting families who experience a still birth or infant loss. Children's Mercy has a bereavement team within the Fetal Health Center and we partner directly with them to source and supply memory making items and gifts for these families.
New for 2024, we are in the early stages of identifying ways to partner with and support Overland Park Regional’s Fetal Health Center.
HOW TO HELP
Our annual fundraiser event is held each May close to Will's birthday. Our 2024 event will be May 24, 2024! Full details and a link to RSVP are below.
Monetary donations to the Will White Foundation can be made throughout the year via credit card, via check (email us for address!) or via Venmo.
Will White Foundation merchandise can be purchased year round at the link below. A portion of the proceeds come directly back to the Foundation.
In addition to the above, we continue to seek avenues to support this underserved community. If you know of opportunities within Kansas City or a family who is experiencing a critical fetal diagnosis and needs support, please contact us.
2024 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Our annual fundraising event will be held at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood, Kansas on May 24, 2024 from 5-7 p.m.
We would love to have you join us for a fun, family-centric, casual night of food and drinks - come Grill and Chill for Will!
We will be holding a raffle at the event for the opportunity to win one of five great prizes (full prize details below). If you can't make it in person - no worries! You can still enter the raffle by purchasing tickets at the link below. Online raffle tickets will close the evening of May 23, 2024.
Raffle Details:
Raffle tickets can be purchased either at the event or in advance. No need to be present to win.
Tickets prices are 1 ticket for $50, 3 tickets for $100 and 10 tickets for $250. Raffle includes:
$500 cash
4 KC Current Tickets with Parking on 7/6/2024
Watch the sold out KC Current play on July 6, 2024 vs. the Orlando Pride with 4 tickets in the West Sideline Club + parking. This area of seats has unrivaled views, access to private club space featuring grab-and-go appetizers and a space-exclusive, dedicated bar program. Value is priceless - these tickets are only available through a season ticket package.
Family Photo Session with Kristy Marshall Photography
Full family photo session by the talented Kristy Marshall Photography. Package includes 45 minutes of photography and 40 session images delivered within 10 days. Date and location mutually agreed upon, session must be scheduled in 2024. Valued at $425.
Men’s Golf Foursome at Wolf Creek Golf Links
Men’s golf for 4 hosted by Steve Sales at Wolf Creek Golf Links. Mutually agreed up on date in 2024 with food, libations and plenty of Steve Sales one-liners. Package valued at $600 but with Steve-o, it’s nearly priceless.
Stock the Bar with Whiskey and Wine
This package includes 9 bottles of whiskey and 2 bottles of wine. Wine includes 97 rated 2019 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 96 rated 2019 Alpha Omega ERA Cabernet Sauvignon. Featured bourbon whiskey includes Penelope Architect, Penelope Rosé Cask, Penelope Barrel Strength, Minor Case Straight Rye, Ezra Brooks 99 and Remus Highest Rye. Valued at $1,100.
A huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this event possible including our generous donors:
