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Student Entrepreneurs Raise Money to Bring Joy to Pediatric Patients with Facility and Therapy Dogs
Giant inflatable balloon dogs are touring Northeast Ohio and will be stopping by Crocker Park in Westlake from April 25 to May 5. The traveling installation, which aims to brighten the day of critically ill children, is the creative vision of students from 10 local high schools participating in the Excel TECC Marketing/Junior Achievement program at Beachwood High School.
The students are building off the success of the 2024-25 Beachwood Marketing/Junior Achievement Hope Heals campaign that placed over 2,000 Medi Teddys in pediatric hospital rooms across Northeast Ohio. The Medi Teddy is a teddy bear sleeve that covers an IV bag to help reduce children’s fear during medical treatments.
Determined to make an even more profound difference, this year’s Marketing Junior Achievement students launched Hope Heroes, a campaign aimed at unleashing the healing power of dogs by adding additional facility dogs to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Children’s. Proceeds from Hope Heroes will also enhance the volunteer therapy dog programs at Akron Children’s Hospital and MetroHealth. Students are raising funds by selling sponsorship packages and balloon-themed merchandise, all while managing the campaign’s budget, organizing events, and promoting their cause.
“Hope Heroes makes a difference in the lives of critically ill children through facility and therapy dogs, whose unconditional love and presence brings light into the darkest times. These special animals create hope and joy for children by offering companionship and hope, says Kelsey Cohen, a senior at Beachwood High School.
In developing the Hope Heroes campaign, students collaborated with District Gallery in the Van Aken District to enlist world-renowned artist Josh Mayhem to design a “Blown Away Balloon Dog” to serve as the campaign’s mascot. The balloon dog is featured on all branding and merchandise. Four giant balloon dogs in addition to a doghouse will be on display as part of the Hope Heroes traveling installation.
For students in the Marketing/Junior Achievement program, organizing Hope Heroes has been a rewarding way to give back while learning practical business and management skills. Greg Perry, the Marketing/Junior Achievement teacher, commented on the campaign’s impact: “The power of hope is immense. It not only aids children in need but also empowers our students with invaluable life skills.”
While exploring the giant inflatable balloon dogs at Crocker Park, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The center offers a diverse array of retail stores, luxury apartments, office spaces, and relaxing green areas. With plenty of events and attractions, including live music, family-friendly activities, and seasonal celebrations, Crocker Park provides experiences for people of all ages.
To learn more about Hope Heroes, please visit: www.hopeheroesohio.com.
