About Kindervelt
Kindervelt is an organization composed of neighborhood or other common-interest groups joined together by a central, city-wide board of trustees. It is the largest auxiliary of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and is recognized as one of Greater Cincinnati’s outstanding volunteer organizations.
Our history
Prior to the opening of the Convalescent and Services Pavilion in 1973, many services were scattered all over the Cincinnati area. Some of these services already had auxiliaries devoted to supporting and aiding their organization. As these institutions merged into the medical center’s family, they brought their auxiliaries with them.
The Cooperative Society and the Jr. Co-Operative Society were actively working for Cincinnati Children’s; the Association of Volunteers supported the Convalescent Hospital for Children, the Capital United Cerebral Palsy Women’s Committee aided United Cerebral Palsy, and the auxiliaries to the Children’s Dental Care Foundation and Adolescent Health Center supported their groups.
Timeline
20XX
Despite ongoing pandemic challenges and shifting safety guidelines, Kindervelt groups adapted by finding new ways to host events and support the hospital. Many meetings were held in person, with masks, Zoom meetings, and flexibility helping ensure continued engagement and success.
Kindervelt continually demonstrates its commitment to reaching out, building relationships, expanding horizons, and offering hope. Whether big or small, each member’s contribution plays a vital role in supporting patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
2021
From June 2021 to May 2022, Kindervelt continued its four-year commitment to the Division of Critical Care Medicine and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The $600M Critical Care Building, the largest expansion at CCHMC, focused on critically ill patients, and Kindervelt was proud to contribute. Members attended the virtual ribbon-cutting in October 2021 and toured the facility, which opened in November 2021. Kindervelt logos were prominently displayed at the PICU and KV PEACe. During this time, Kindervelt also celebrated its 50th Jubilee, marking five decades of fundraising for CCHMC.
2016
From 2016-2020, Kindervelt focused on funding the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Kindervelt Psychiatric Emergency Assessment Center (KV PEACe), which treats over 8,000 children in mental health crisis each year. This six-room psychiatric triage center, along with a bridge team of nurses and specialists, was critical to supporting children in distress.
During this period, Kindervelt introduced a new membership category for those not affiliated with a group, renamed the President’s Council to the Leadership Meeting, and created regional liaison groups with Board representation. Member Meetings, later called the “Speaker’s Series,” offered social and educational opportunities. Kindervelt also adopted GiveSmart for online fundraising and updated its website and motto to reflect its growth and impact: “Together, We Can Make a Difference.”
2014
In 2014, Kindervelt replaced traditional Liaison Meetings with “Table Talk” sessions during each President’s Council. In 2015, Kindervelt Market was renamed Kindervelt Krafts, and the Gala became a separate event. The monthly newsletter was launched electronically, and Kindervelt partnered with Constant Contact for easier online registration and email marketing. The Kindervelt logo was updated, reintroducing the “circle of love” with Kindervelt at the top and kindervelt.org at the bottom.
2013
In 2013, a new high school group, Indian Hill High School, was formed, and “Let the Good Times Bowl” became a new citywide event. Kinderklaus Markt was rebranded as Kindervelt Market. Kindervelt partnered with Constant Contact for easier online registrations, email marketing, and social media campaigns. The launch of the electronic Kindervelt Newsletter saved significantly on printing costs. The Kindervelt logo was updated to reintroduce the “circle of love” with Kindervelt at the top and kindervelt.org at the bottom.
2012
In alignment with the Kindervelt calendar year, our fiscal year was adjusted, with all funds now counted in the annual check presented each May. A Kindervelt Facebook page was created, and at the annual Celestial Ball, CCHMC honored Kindervelt for 41 years of fundraising, presenting a plaque for raising over $15 million, which was displayed on the donor wall outside the Sabin Center.
In 2012, Kindervelt committed to a four-year donation for the Heart Institute-Kindervelt Neurodevelopmental, Educational, and Learning Center. Research shows that children with complex heart conditions are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental issues, such as delayed motor skills, speech problems, and behavioral challenges. Established in October 2011, Cincinnati Children’s Neurodevelopmental Clinic was the first in the U.S. to offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art intervention for children and families from birth through adolescence.
2008
In 2008, after the appointment of a new pediatric chief of staff, Kindervelt sought a new giving commitment. With asthma affecting 15 million people in the U.S. and being the leading cause of pediatric hospital admissions, Cincinnati Children’s established the Division of Asthma Research. Kindervelt helped fund the Kindervelt Chair for the division, supporting the development of new clinical care standards through research. Over four years, Kindervelt contributed nearly $2 million to the initiative.
2005
In 2005, Kindervelt established the Barbara Fitch Award to recognize individuals who show enthusiasm and support for the organization’s goals. Named after a founding member, the award is presented annually at Kindervelt’s meeting to a dedicated member who actively contributes to her local group and promotes Kindervelt in the community.
2004
From 2004 to 2008, Kindervelt committed over $1.9 million to the Division of Developmental Disabilities, which was renamed the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP). The focus remained on providing comprehensive care for children with developmental and behavioral issues, along with community education and professional training. Kindervelt’s funding supported DDBP’s major expansion in clinical, academic, and research programs, helping it become a leading center in the community.
2000
From 2000 to 2004, Kindervelt raised $2 million to support the Division of Adolescent Medicine, which provides resources and care for teens and the physicians who treat them. This funding helped expand services, allowing the division to improve adolescent health regionally and globally through research and education.
1995
In 1995, Kindervelt committed to raising funds for the Critical Care Medicine Division, supporting the Kindervelt Critical Care Program—the only one of its kind in the tri-state region. This five-year fundraising effort raised $2.5 million for the PICU, a multidisciplinary unit offering 24/7 care and access to all pediatric subspecialties.
1991
In 1991, Kindervelt pledged to help fund the construction of the trauma center in Cincinnati Children’s new hospital tower. The Kindervelt Trauma Center was dedicated in November 1993 and began operations in December 1994. Over four years, Kindervelt contributed nearly $2.3 million to the project.
1990
In 1990, Kindervelt took on two new citywide projects. Dr. Earladeen Badger, founder of the All About Kids show, invited Kindervelt to create an interactive theme area and organize volunteers and entertainment. The Cincinnati Rowing Committee also asked Kindervelt to help organize the National Collegiate Rowing Championship at East Fork State Park, recognizing the group’s talent and impact.
1988
From 1988 to 1990, Kindervelt supported the Division of Pulmonary Biology, contributing over $1.4 million to endow a Professorship of Pulmonary Medicine. The professorship was later named the Kindervelt Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, cementing Kindervelt’s lasting legacy.
1987
In 1987, Kindervelt, in partnership with Booth Memorial Hospital, became a co-beneficiary of the Mason-Dixon Steeplechase, gaining significant exposure and fostering collaboration with another hospital’s auxiliary. When St. Elizabeth Medical Center joined as a third beneficiary in 1989, the Steeplechase committee was reorganized. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center formed its own committee to manage relations with the Mason-Dixon Steeplechase Association, and Kindervelt no longer participated as an official beneficiary.
What began in 1973 with an $8,000 gift to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has grown into a thriving volunteer organization. Kindervelt’s impact on the medical community and the tri-state area led to recognition by the Cincinnati Enquirer as one of the city’s outstanding women’s clubs in 1973, and again in 1975 for its contributions to women’s roles in the community.
1983
In 1983, Larry Hill of the Queen City Figure Skating Club invited Kindervelt to co-host the 1987 World Figure Skating Championships, should Cincinnati be chosen. After Cincinnati was selected, Kindervelt worked alongside the local skating clubs to prepare, helping to raise nearly $200,000 and gaining international recognition.
In 1983, Kindervelt achieved another milestone with the creation of the Kindervelt Cardiovascular Institute, which provided a permanent endowment for Cincinnati Children’s Division of Cardiology. Kindervelt’s five-year pledge raised over $2 million, and in 1988, the Institute was renamed the Kindervelt Cardiovascular Research Endowment Fund.
1981
By 1981, Kindervelt was ready to take on another citywide project. Around that time, Steve and Debbie Merritt Contardi approached Kindervelt with the idea of a tennis marathon. This led to the inaugural Tennithon in 1982, where children from local tennis clubs played throughout the night to raise pledges. The event was a major success, becoming an annual fixture in Cincinnati.
1978
In 1978, Kindervelt’s gift helped the Division of Hematology/Oncology acquire an analytical fluorescence microscope. In 1979, the Intensive Care-Coronary Care Unit used Kindervelt funds to purchase life support systems, including two monitors for vital signs and an EKG machine. From 1980 to 1982, funds raised by Kindervelt supported the establishment of the hospital’s new Division of Infectious Diseases.
1977
Over the years, Kindervelt has made significant contributions to Cincinnati Children’s. In 1976 and 1977, funds were used to purchase specialized equipment for the Radiology department, including the Polytomography U3, the second such unit installed in a U.S. children’s hospital. This equipment allows for detailed imaging of tissues and bones to detect abnormalities.
By 1977, a dedicated year-round Markt Committee was formed, and in 1978, Kindervelt offered space at the Markt to other volunteer organizations within the medical center, with United Cerebral Palsy hosting a successful boutique.
1975
As Kindervelt grew, it became clear that a dedicated outlet for the handcrafted items made by members was needed. Some groups had participated in craft fairs but were discouraged by having to give a percentage of proceeds to promoters or charities. In response, the Board decided to co-sponsor a holiday bazaar with the Junior Co-Operative Society in November 1975, chaired by Nancy Bove. Held in Vincent Hall, Kindervelt’s section was so successful that the following year, they expanded to the Ohio National Guard Armory for the Kinderklaus Markt.
