Ciara and Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation is bringing its winning spirit to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. The connective power of philanthropy started with the Jack Martin Fund, a long-time contributor to the Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics and Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, who introduced Russell and Ciara to Mount Sinai when the NFL quarterback signed with the New York Giants and was seeking a children’s hospital to support in his new hometown. Supporting children’s health is a mission that deeply resonates with the husband and wife Super Bowl champion and Grammy award-winning singer; their foundation’s mission is to “Encourage and challenge today’s youth to embrace opportunities, overcome obstacles and make a positive impact throughout their lives.”
This isn’t the first time the NFL New York Giants quarterback has made an impact at Mount Sinai. A decade ago, after Russell’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory, Mount Sinai’s leaders first met Russell Wilson, and he recently returned for a visit that brought unforgettable joy to the hospital’s halls. Russell spent time with children, families, and staff, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
When visiting Mount Sinai, Russell made a surprise appearance at the Emergency Medicine White Coat Ceremony, where residents received their “white coats” as a symbolic transition into the specialty, and where Russell was donned with an honorary coat himself. From there, Russell headed to the Child Life KidZone where he played air hockey, signed copies of their New York Times bestseller children’s book, Why Not You? he and Ciara co-authored, and connected with young patients. Check out the smiles and cheers brought to everyone Russell met at Mount Sinai:
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The Why Not You Foundation’s statement of future support comes at a pivotal time for Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. The hospital is in a transformative period of growth, making major investments in technology, talent, and new clinical and surgical units to enhance the young patient and family experience. This expansion is designed to meet both the medical and emotional needs of the children and families we serve.
The philanthropic partnership kicked off at the Foundation’s $3 Million Dollar Dinner on Monday, August 18th, on the Giants’ 50-yard line at MetLife Stadium, with Fortune 100 companies, top corporate executives, community leaders, and nonprofit partners in attendance. Guests were treated to an extraordinary culinary experience curated by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and the ambiance was elevated by a live performance by Musicians from the New York Philharmonic. Adding a touch of wonder and excitement, Anna DeGuzman, a trailblazing Filipina-American magician, cardist, and mentalist, wowed the crowd with a captivating magic show. The evening was emceed by Anthony Ramos, Grammy award-winning actor, singer, and arts advocate whose energy and charisma kept the crowd engaged throughout. A highlight of the night was a heartfelt speech from Lisa M. Satlin, MD, System Chair of the Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief of Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, who spoke passionately about the transformative impact of the Why Not You Foundation’s partnership with Kravis Children’s Hospital and the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.
Ciara and Russell Wilson with Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital physicians, faculty, and staff
Ciara and Russell Wilson with Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital physicians, faculty, and staff
Ciara and Russell Wilson with Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital physicians, faculty, and staff
Ciara and Russell Wilson
Lisa M. Satlin, MD
Musicians from the New York Philharmonic
As Russell and Ciara beautifully state in their book, Why Not You, “Your potential has no boundaries!” Together with the Why Not You Foundation, Mount Sinai is proving that there is no endeavor too big when it comes to creating a brighter, healthier future for children and anticipating a partnership that will better the lives of countless young people coming to Mount Sinai’s Kravis Children’s Hospital in years to come.
