MoneyGram Haas F1 Team expands partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation to create custom-designed Hospital Gowns

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation today announced an expansion of its partnership, to create a custom-designed Starlight hospital gown, thanks to a special contribution made by the Gene Haas Foundation. 

Starlight was formed with a mission to deliver happiness to hospitalized children and their families, working with over 800 children’s hospitals across America. Since its inception, the charity has positively impacted over 21 million children and continues to work tirelessly to bring joy and comfort to those receiving treatment.

A total of 1,000 hospital gowns will be created with a unique graphic design featuring the VF-23 on the front, trademark Starlight emblems shining bright, and proudly displaying the Gene Haas Foundation logo on the shoulder. Having to change into hospital wear can be a traumatizing experience for a child during their stay and often traditional hospital gowns are uncomfortable and ill-fitting, leaving kids feeling vulnerable. The added benefit of these colorful and dynamic gowns is that they’re specially designed for children with snaps on the sleeves and ties down the side to provide better coverage and easier access during medical procedures. Starlight hospital gowns provide kids with a sense of normalcy while creating a meaningful connection between doctors and patients.

Since MoneyGram Haas F1 Team began its collaboration with Starlight in 2022, Team Principal Guenther Steiner and drivers have visited hospitals in North Carolina and Texas, staged online visits and have invited families to track for an unforgettable experience during difficult times. 

“If we can make children smile and distract them – even for a moment – away from their time in hospital, we’ve done our job,” commented Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “I’ve visited hospitals and met with patients and their families and am truly inspired by how these courageous children remain strong and continue being a light for their families during these challenging times. I’d like to extend my personal thanks to the Gene Haas Foundation for their kind donation allowing us to make this a reality. This is a partnership that is close to all the team’s hearts and it’s great to see the new and creative ways we can support Starlight in their mission.”

“The Gene Haas Foundation was formed in 1997 to assist the underserved of the community where Haas manufacturing company resides and in 2012 expanded to also focus on technology education. Since its inception, the Gene Haas Foundation has granted over $150,000,000.00 US dollars,” said Kathy Looman, Director of Education at the Gene Haas Foundation. “MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s collaboration with Starlight Children’s Foundation is a great example of two partners coming together to support those in need and we’re proud to lend our financial support to grow this relationship further.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and the Gene Haas Foundation for expanding their partnership and creating a one-of-a-kind VF-23-themed Starlight Hospital Gown to help transform hospital stays for children. Their support has helped us bring smiles to the faces of so many brave kids, and for that, we cannot thank them enough,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. “This new MoneyGram Haas F1 Team gown is a symbol of hope and courage, bringing the thrill and excitement of racing to hospitalized kids coping with illnesses and procedures.”

To learn more about Starlight's vital work, as well as to donate, please click here.