‘Tinis for Preemies: Having Fun with a Purpose

Each year Graham’s Foundation hosts our ‘Tinis for Preemies event in NYC, an annual gala fundraiser in support of our mission. It’s always a fun evening out for those who attend, but we do a lot to ensure that our purpose isn’t lost in the playful atmosphere of the night!

This year was no exception. The event, powered by Pampers and supported in part by Dr. Brown’s Medical, was held on Nov. 7 in Manhattan’s Upper Story by Charlie Palmer. We were joined by many supporters, healthcare professionals, friends, and family as we proudly recognized Dr. Richard A. Polin as this year’s Graham’s Foundation Honoree.

Dr. Richard A. Polin, Graham’s Foundation 2018 Honoree, speaks of advancements made in neonatalogy at the annual ‘Tinis for Preemies

Dr. Polin is the William T. Speck Professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Director of the Division of Neonatology at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. His research, teaching, and work with families have contributed to improved outcomes for so many preemies over the years!

The Dr. Brown’s Medical crew

Each year, Graham’s Foundation and our partners honor leaders and champions who are dedicated to helping change the outcomes for premature babies and their families. In recognizing the important work of each honoree we aim to raise awareness of not only the impact of premature birth but also the need to increase funding and research into improving the outcomes for future preemies and families.

We believe that supporting changemakers like this year’s honoree is crucial to the evolution of preemie care in and out of the NICU.

Marie Boone-Clark of Medolac and newest Board Member, with Nick Hall, founder of Graham’s Foundation

Following Dr. Polin’s recognition, a lot of LOVE was sent! This year’s ‘Tinis for Preemies auction focused on funding our free Preemie Parent Care Packages. These packages are sent directly to parents of prematurely born infants still in the NICU, those families making the transition home after premature birth, and parents who are coping with loss.

Throughout the evening, guests dined on delights including wild mushroom croques madame, duck cigars with a port wine-cherry dipping sauce, charred beef tenderloin, Gruyere-Brioche croutons, and more. Signature martini concoctions sponsored by longtime supporter Tito’s Handmade Vodka included a French 75, a Lychee and Rose Petal Martini, and our signature Graham’s Blue Martini.

Kalasi Huggins of Pampers honored us by sharing his own story.

We were also joined by the lovely Helene Polin, wife of Dr. Richard Polin; Dr. Joel Polin and Irene Polin; Dr. William T. Speck and Dr. Evelyn Lipper; Dana Fern and Louisa Ferrara of Dr. Brown’s Medical; Joy Henderson of Medolac; Drs. Katie and Jordan Orange; Zina Steinberg of Columbia University; Jillian Neubauer; Melissa Kaiser and Andy Knoll of Flushing Bank; and Karen and Bruce Riel of Ony Biotech, among many others!

Connie Karcher, Heather McKinnis, Xena Ugrinsky & Meegan Snyder

As you may know, Graham’s Foundation relies on individual and corporate support to continue to fulfill our mission. Without that help, the foundation could not have celebrated their 10th year of operation and reached the milestones it has over the past decade.

Support for our vision continues to come from from Pampers, Dr. Brown’s Medical, Medolac, Dana and Larry Linden, Dr. Richard A. Polin, and Columbia University Medical Center, Flushing Bank, Marie Boone-Clark, Dr. Mia Wechsler Doron, and countless other individuals. We’d love for you to be among them, whether or not you can attend one of these galas. Click here to learn more about how you can become one of Graham’s Champions!

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About The Author: Nick Hall

Nick founded Graham's Foundation in memory of his son, whom he lost to prematurity. Graham's Foundation supports parents through the journey of prematurity and is committed to making sure that no parent goes through that journey alone.