MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Continues to Support Starlight Children’s Foundation
October 17, 2024
The donation will fund a new-look themed hospital gown that Starlight will distribute to hospital partners.
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is delighted to reveal its latest collaboration with Charity Partner Starlight Children's Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering happiness to hospitalized kids, to create a new-look hospital gown thanks to the latest generous donation from the Gene Haas Foundation.
Building on the success of last year’s bespoke gowns, this latest donation of $30,000 will support another production and distribution of Starlight's hospital gowns to pediatric patients across the country. One of the most daunting aspects of a child's hospital stay is the transition from their comfortable clothes into a traditional hospital gown. These gowns often leave young patients feeling exposed, self-conscious, and overwhelmed in an already challenging environment. The new gowns, which will debut next year featuring a new design, act to increase privacy and coverage, ease access for medical stuff and distract patients from their treatment.
Ahead of the team’s home race – the United States Grand Prix - this weekend (October 18-20), MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Official Reserve Driver Pietro Fittipaldi visited young patients at Texas Children's Hospital. The event focused on meeting patients and their families, playing games and conducting a ward visit to drop off gifts for patients while staying at hospital.
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team invited two families to spend the day with the team at the Circuit of The Americas on Thursday, meeting drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, touring the garage, and being the first to view the special livery of the VF-24 in person.
“Starlight Children’s Foundation has touched the lives of millions of children and their families, and everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is extremely proud of this special partnership,” shared Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “Creating bespoke gowns can alleviate anxiety and create a more positive experience, and we look forward to working with the Gene Haas Foundation in future on finding new ways to provide joy to kids and support Starlight’s mission.”
“Thanks to Starlight Children’s Foundation, I’ve met and spent time with some very special people,” shared Pietro Fittipaldi, Official Reserve Driver at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “MoneyGram Haas F1 Team has been working with Starlight for over two years and being able to give back and provide some respite is definitely not something to underestimate. For me and the team, it’s a real highlight of racing at home.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team again to bring Starlight Hospital Gowns to even more kids across the country. This collaboration with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is a testament to the power of bringing joy and hope to children facing challenging medical situations. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with them to create these unforgettable moments for the kids at Texas Children’s Hospital,” said Adam Garone, Starlight CEO. “This partnership has been improving the hospital experience for kids since 2022, and we look forward to continuing to bring the excitement of racing to hospitalized kids.”
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, currently seventh overall in the Constructors’ Championship just three points off of sixth place (34-31pts), returns to home soil for Round 19 of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship – the United States Grand Prix, hosted at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, 18-20 October.