Haas teams up with Starlight Children’s Foundation to Deliver Happiness to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

American F1 Academy Driver Chloe Chambers, who represents MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in the series, visited the hospital to spread cheer and excitement to the young patients. 

Chambers, who secured her first podium of the season last weekend, brought along Starlight Patient Activity Kits (PAKs) filled with toys, distraction resources, activity books and Haas merchandise for the kids to enjoy. Chambers also took the time to engage with the kids about racing, helped them design their own VF-24, and took photos with them, brightening their day. 

The event was made even more special with race-themed activities for the patients to participate in. 

Chipotle, Official Partner of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, kindly provided burritos and chips and guac to patients, family members and key workers as a token of their appreciation for all the hard work Starlight does.
 

“Getting the opportunity to meet these amazing children and their families was inspiring,” shared F1 Academy Driver, Chloe Chambers. “It’s so important that we use the platform we have to make a positive impact, and these initiatives are something I’m very passionate about. It’s great that Haas and Chipotle share that sentiment and I look forward to meeting more families this season. Speaking to the young girls about opportunities within racing, I also hope we have a few more fans watching F1 Academy this weekend as well.”

This event also helped kick off Starlight’s Mental Health Awareness Month campaign in May. Starlight is dedicated to helping kids cope with the anxiety and loneliness that often comes with being hospitalized. By addressing their mental and emotional well-being, hospitalized children can have a better chance of treatment compliance and faster recovery. 

“As a non-profit organization, we’re grateful for generous donors, like MoneyGram Haas F1 team, that help fund our play-centered programs, including Starlight Gaming, Starlight Virtual Reality, Hospital Gowns, and Starlight Toy Deliveries,” said Matt Barnhart, Manager of Partnerships at Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Starlight’s vital programs are offered free of charge to hospitals within our nationwide network, providing comfort, distraction, and moments of happiness to kids coping with hospitalization, procedures and treatments. When kids experience joy through play, it fosters a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar environment and can help promote healing.” 
 

Our collaboration demonstrates the power of sports and philanthropy to positively impact paediatric patients’ well-being. To learn more about Starlight Children’s Foundation and how you can help deliver happiness to hospitalized kids, visit www.starlight.org/happykids.