The KMF Story

More than 100 years ago, a grandfather was visiting his ailing granddaughter in the children’s ward of the University of Michigan Hospital (now C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital). He realized that although she was receiving excellent medical care, her educational and childhood needs were not being met. He wanted more for his granddaughter. Thanks to his efforts, in 1922 the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor established a school and recreation program for the children’s units in the hospital.

Over the past 100 years that program evolved to become the Kiwanis of Michigan Foundation, combining the efforts of all Michigan District Kiwanians. The Foundation contributes over $200,000 each year toward the many “child life” programs that promote children’s recovery, therapy, educational and recreational activities.

The support KMF provides can take many forms. Anne Heier who served as Child Life Specialist at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, summed it up best. She said, “When a hospitalized child is able to get about the business of being a child … playing and learning … Mom and Dad can relax, allowing the child the calm atmosphere needed to heal.”