North American Leadership Conference

2015-Washington D.C.Back to List

In June 2015, Children’s Circle of Care members convened in Washington D.C. to mark the 20th anniversary of the CCC program. The members-only event was called the “Woodmark Children’s Forum: Advancing Children’s Health Through Philanthropy.”

Pediatrician and medical geneticists, Dr. Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D., director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, opened an educational conference at the Newseum. He spoke about need for private investment to fill the funding gap for pediatric research. In a moderated discussion several leading benefactors discussed why they invested in pediatric medicine and the progress their contributions have helped to make.

First Lady Michelle Obama gave remarks to commemorate the occasion at a luncheon at The Ritz Carlton. In a forum setting following the luncheon, a select group of top physicians, scientists, and researchers selected from among the participating children’s hospitals talked about their work and the role private philanthropy plays in advancing it.

A gala dinner at the Mellon Auditorium featured entertainment by the Capitol Steps and the Midtown Men, four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys.

Presenters

• Glen Van Arsdell, M.D.
  Head of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery
  The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto


• Michael CV Jensen, M.D.
  Director, Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research
  Seattle Children’s, Seattle


• Pamela Hinds, PhD, R.N.
  Director, Dept. of Nursing Research and Quality Outcomes
  Children’s National Health System, Washington, D.C.

2010-AtlantaBack to List

Atlanta was the venue for the 2010 North American conference. Stephanie Blank, chair of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, and her husband, Arthur, served as Honorary Co-Chairs. The leadership conference featured physician presentations on the global health of children, treatments for necrotizing enterocolitis, a medical simulation demonstration of a newborn in distress and new advances in care at the Aflac Cancer Center. The luncheon was held at the Georgia Dome where comedian Jeff Foxworthy shared some of his Southern charm and wit. Dinner was held at the magnificent George Aquarium followed by a performance by Academy Award- and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Lionel Richie.

Presenters

• Sanjay Gupta, M.D.
  Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN
  Opening Remarks


• Gail E. Besner, M.D.
  Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
  John E. Fisher Endowed Chair in Neonatal Research, Director of Pediatric Surgical Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
  Topic: Big News for Small Intestines


• Jennifer Arnold, M.D., M.Sc.
  Medical Director of the Pediatric Simulation Center, Texas Children’s Hospital
  Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine
  Topic: To Err Is Human, to Simulate Divine


• William G. Woods, M.D.
  Professor and Director, The Daniel P. Amos Children’s Chair for the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University School of Medicine
  Associate Director of Childhood Cancer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  Topic: It Takes a Team

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Kathleen and Dan Amos-Atlanta
• Anne and Paul Marcus-Boston
• The Labatt Family-Toronto
• Milan and Maureen Ilich-Vancouver
• His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi-Washington DC

2009-SeattleBack to List

In 2009, CCC members returned to Seattle for the conference. Tom Brokaw, NBC News Special Correspondent and former anchor of “NBC Nightly News” served as honorary chair and spoke at the luncheon about leadership and philanthropy. The morning conference program featured inspiring presentations by leading experts in drug therapy, pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and craniofacial surgery. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Natalie Cole performed with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra at the gala, held at the WaMu Theater.

Presenters

• Bruce Carleton, PHD
  Director, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children’s Hospital
  Senior Clinical Scientist, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
  Topic: Searching for Needles in Haystacks but Finding diamonds: Gene Markers for Serious Drug Reactions


• Robert N. Baldassano, MD
  Director of the Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  Professor of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
  Topic: Transforming the Care of Children suffering with IBD


• Richard A. Hopper, MD
  Division Chief, Pediatric Plastic Surgery Clinical Surgical Director, Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center
  Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine
  Topic: Faces of Courage

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Chris Hoefflin-Los Angeles
• Jim and Jan Sinegal-Seattle
• Scott and Laurie Oki-Seattle
• Mrs. Doris Schnuck-St.Louis

2008-DenverBack to List

Denver, the Mile-High City, was the venue for the 2008 North American conference. Jack Nicklaus, widely regarded as the greatest professional golfer of all time, and his wife Barbara, founding members of CCC, served as Honorary Co-Chairs. The leadership conference featured presentations by a surgeon specializing in pediatric cardiac transplantation, a neuroscientist and surgical director of a renowned epilepsy center, and a medical director of an eating disorders treatment program. The luncheon featured a 30-minute documentary of efforts involved in moving 108 critically ill patients seven miles to The new Children’s Hospital in September 2007. Interpretive singer Judy Collins, who grew up in Denver and made her public debut at age 13 with the Denver Symphony, was the featured performer following the gala dinner.

Presenters

• Clint Hurdle
  Manager, 2007 National League Champion Colorado Rockies
  Featured Patient Family


• Jennifer Hagman, M.D.
  Medical Director, Eating Disorders Treatment Program, The Children’s Hospital, Denver, Colorado
  Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
  Topic: Restoring Lives: One Bite at a Time


• Roger J. Hudgins, M.D.
  Chief Medical Officer of Neurosciences at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
  Chief of Neurosurgery, Children's Neurosurgery Program
  Surgical Director, The Children's Epilepsy Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
  Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  Topic: The Power of Families: The Road to Discoveries in Pediatric Neurosurgery


• Kristine Guleserian, M.D.
  Surgical Director, Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation, Children's Medical Center Dallas
  Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  Topic: Healing Broken Hearts: Transplantation and Beyond

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Ann Lurie-Chicago
• Dave and Gail Liniger-Denver
• Jan and Dan Duncan-Houston
• Diana and Stephen Goldberg-Washington DC

2007-BostonBack to List

In 2007, Boston hosted the conference at the historic Opera House, and featured presentations from three prominent physicians about groundbreaking work being done in the fields of radiology, cardiology, and pediatric AIDS. Andres Trevino spoke of the life-saving treatment his son Andy, who suffered from a rare immune disorder, received at the Children's Hospital Boston. The conference concluded with a rousing performance by the Boston Pops. The evening's gala was followed by a memorable private performance by Sir Elton John at the Westin Boston Waterfront.

Presenters

• Andres Trevino
  Patient family speaker


• Mark W. Kline, MD
  Chief of Retrovirology, Texas Children’s Hospital President, Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative
  Professor of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
  Topic: Pediatric AIDS: Worlds Apart


• James Lock, MD
  Physician-in-Chief and Cardiologist-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital Boston
  Topic: Fetal Cardiac Intervention: The Latest First in Childhood Heart Disease


• William E. Shiels, II, DO
  Chairman, Department of Radiology, Columbus Children’s Hospital
  President, The Children’s Radiological Institute, Inc.
  Clinical Professor of Radiology & Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
  Topic: Pediatric Interventional Rediology -of Gifts.and Cures

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Dick and Sara Page Mayo-Boston
• Ruth M. and Tristram C. Colket, Jr.–Philadelphia
• Mr. and Mrs. Ernest S. Rady-San Diego
• Mrs. Janice and Mr. Earle O’Born-Toronto
• Djavad Mowafaghian-Vancouver

2006-ChicagoBack to List

CCC members returned to Chicago in 2006, for a conference that was held in Orchestra Hall, Chicago Symphony Center. Featured philanthropy speakers, Michael and Eleanor Evangelides spoke about how the loss of their toddler son, Gus, inspired them to help raise millions of dollars for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric brain tumors. CCC members enjoyed lunch in a tented pavilion at Chicago's newest civic amenity, the 24-acre Millennium Park. The gala, which was held at The Field Museum, featured a speech by Oprah Winfrey and a showing of select relics of the King Tutankhamen exhibit.

Presenters

• Eleanor & Michael Evangelides, The Gus Foundation
  Topic: The Power of Philanthropy


• Mary J.C. Hendrix, Ph.D.
  President and Scientific Director, Children’s Memorial Research Center, Chicago
  Professor of Pediatrics, Northwestern University
  Topic: Developing Public – Private Partnerships to Support Pediatric Research and New Therapies


• T.S. Park, M.D
  Neurosurgeon-in Chief, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
  Professor, Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine
  Topic: Children with Cerebral Palsy Walk After SelectiveDorsal Rhizotomy Procedure


• James Aronson, M.D.
  Chief, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
  Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  Topic: The Discovery of Guided Bone Regeneration: Harnessing the Power of Biology

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Mr. and Mrs. Lester Crown-Chicago
• Mr. and Mrs. John F. Wolfe-Columbus
• Mr. and Mrs. Craig Ponzio-Denver
• Mr. and Mrs. William Close-Los Angeles
• Mr. and Mrs. Roy Reiman-Milwaukee

2005-San DiegoBack to List

In 2005, San Diego hosted the conference. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis served as Honorary Chair. The conference was held at Copley Symphony Hall and featured remarks from philanthropist Lisa Peckham, a San Diego wife, mother, and community volunteer, a Children's Hospital Auxiliary member and former pediatric ICU nurse. Mrs. Peckham shared the story of how her young son's cancer diagnosis inspired her family's extraordinary commitment to San Diego Children’s Hospital. Lunch was held on the flight deck of the USS Midway. The gala dinner, held at the San Diego Convention Center, featured a musical performance by Kenny Loggins, a longtime supporter of children's hospitals.

Presenters

• Lori West, M.D., D.Phil.
  Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children
  Topic: Challenging ‘Conventional’ Boundaries In Medicine: Abo-Incompatible Infant Heart Transplantation


• John S. Bradley, M.D.
  San Diego Children’s Hospital and Health Center
  Topic: The Bugs Keep Getting Tougher


• James E. Stein, M.D., John E. Gross, M.D., William B. McIlvaine, M.D., Richard A.K. Reynolds, M.D.
  Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
  Topic: Separation of Conjoined Twins: 12 Months of Teamwork, 24 Hours of Surgery

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Annette and Harold Simmons-Dallas
• The Monfort Family Foundation-Denver
• Jean I. and Dinnis H. Bauman-Milwaukee
• Jean Hahn Hardy-San Diego
• Mr. and Mrs. James S. McDonnell III-St. Louis

2004-Washington D.C.Back to List

Washington, D.C., was the site of the 2004 conference. President George W. and Mrs. Laura Bush served as Honorary Co-Chairs for the event. The conference was held at DAR Constitution Hall, and featured remarks by leading philanthropist Joseph E. Robert, Jr., founder, chair and CEO of the J.E. Robert Companies, who has supported children's causes for over 30 years. Political satirist and CCC member Mark Russell performed at the luncheon at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. The gala dinner was held at historic Mount Vernon, estate of America's first president, with soprano Harolyn Blackwell as the featured performer.

Presenters

• Joseph E. Robert, Jr.
  Founder, Chair & CEO, J.E. Robert Companies
  Topic: Why I Give


• Martin R. Eichelberger, M.D.
  Director, Emergency Trauma and Burn Services, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC
  Topic: SAFE KIDS Worldwide


• Robin H. Steinhorn, M.D.
  Division Head, Neonatology, Children’s Memorial Medical Center, Chicago
  Topic Neonative Intensive Care: Miracles and Heroes


• ZoAnn Eckert Dreyer, M.D.
  Chief, Long-term Survivor Clinic (cancer), Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
  Topic: Long-Term Cancer Survivors

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Gail Federici-Smith and Jim Smith-Boston
• Denise and David Bunning-Chicago
• Cheryl and Haim Saban-Los Angeles
• Mary Elizabeth McGehee Joyce-Washington DC

2003-VancouverBack to List

Vancouver, B.C., was the host city in 2003. His Royal Highness the Duke of York—Prince Andrew—served as Honorary Chair. The conference was held at The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on the campus of the University of British Columbia. Tom Chan, Chairman of the Chan Foundation of Canada, was the featured philanthropy speaker. Grammy Award-winning jazz artist, Diana Krall, a native of British Columbia, gave a private performance following the conference. Garden and floral décor transformed BC Place into a garden-like setting, where the gala dinner and a dance were held.

Presenters

• Tom Y. Chan
  Chair, Chan Foundation of Canada
  Topic: To Give or Not to Give


• Henri M. Ford, M.D.
  Chair, Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
  Topic: Impact of Pediatric Trauma Centers On Outcomes of Injured Children


• Francine Ratner Kaufman, M.D.
  Director, Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
  Topic: Two Types of Diabetes in Children and Youth – the Devastating Diseases


• Michael R. Hayden, MB., PhD., FRCPC
  Director and Senior Scientist, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Terapeutics, B.C. Research Institute for Children’s & Women’s Health
  Topic: The Genetics Revolution

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Anne and Paul Marcus-Boston
• Charles C. Gates, Jr. and John G. Gates-Denver
• Dr. Francine Ratner Kaufman-Los Angeles

2002-PhiladelphiaBack to List

In 2002, CCC members convened in Philadelphia. C. Everett Koop, M.D., Sc.D., former U.S. Surgeon General and surgeon-in-chief at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, was the Honorary Chair. Rebecca W. Rimel, President and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts, was the featured philanthropy speaker at the Leadership Conference, which was held at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Sheryl Crow, performed at the gala, which was held on the East Terrace of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Presenters

• Rebecca Rimel
  President & CEO, The Pew Charitable Trusts
  Topic: More To Do – Unfinished Business For America’s Children


• Janice E. Brunstrom, M.D.
  Director, Pediatric Neurology Cerebral Palsy Center, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
  Topic: Cerebral Palsy – Defying the Prognosis, Eyeing the Cure


• Paramjit Toor Joshi, M.D.
  Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Children’s National Medical Center
  Topic: Children Caught in the Crossfire – the Psychological Impact of Trauma


• Paul A. Offit, M.D.
  Chief, Infectious Diseases, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  Topic: Preventing a Common, Fatal Infection Of Children: The Rotavirus Vaccine

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Stephen and Jill Karp-Boston
• R. David and L. Lorraine Thomas-Columbus
• Sam and Nancy Gary & Ron and Cille Williams-Denver
• Dr. Bruce Ames and Dr. Giovanna Ferro-Luzzi Ames-Oakland
• The Biesecker Family-Philadelphia

2001-SeattleBack to List

Seattle hosted CCC members in 2001. Melinda and Bill Gates, co-founders of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, served as Honorary Co-Chairs. Mrs. Gates was the featured philanthropy speaker at the Leadership Conference held in Benaroya Hall. The gala was held at Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State's oldest winery, with Tony Award-winner, Patti Lupone, as featured performer.

Presenters

• Melinda Gates
  Honorary Co-Chair; and Founder Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  Topic: Caring Connections


• Peter L. Havens, M.S., Ph.D.
  Director, Wisconsin HIV Primary Care Support Network Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
  Topic: A System for the Prevention and Treatment of Prenatally Acquired HIV Infection in Rural Areas


• Brett P. Giroir, M.D.
  Chief Medical Officer, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas
  Topic: In Search of New Therapies for Life-Threatening Infections: Redefining Holistic Medicine in the Age of Molecular Genetics


• Richard G. Ellenbogen, M.D.
  Chief, Division of Neurological Surgery, Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center
  Topic: Reflections from Seattle on a Neurosurgical Inventor

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Anne Dyson, MD-Boston
• Derry A. Shoemaker-Chicago
• Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson, The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation-Cincinnati
• The Hewitt Family Foundation-Denver
• Lawrence H. Schmieding-Little Rock
• John C. Herklotz-Los Angeles
• Jane Pettit-Milwaukee
• Elaine and Barry Taylor-Oakland
• John Kriewall and Betsy Haehl-Palo Alto
• Antonia J. and Janet Palumbo-Pittsburgh
• Pam and Marty Wygod-San Diego
• Jim and Jan Sinegal-Seattle
• Mrs. Doris Schnuck-St.Louis
• The Roy C. Hill Charitable Foundation-Toronto
• The Chan Family-Vancouver

2000-BostonBack to List

The CCC program marked its fifth anniversary in historic Boston in 2000. The Leadership Conference was held in Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, at Harvard University. Anne E. Dyson, M.D., a pediatrician, philanthropist, and lifelong advocate for children's health, was the featured philanthropy speaker. Hall of Fame singer-songwriter James Taylor, who served as Honorary Chair, performed at a luncheon in Harvard's Annenberg Hall. The gala was held at the John F. Kennedy Museum and Library and featured a performance by renowned soprano Charlotte Church.

Presenters

• Anne M. Dyson, M.D.
  Pediatrician, President and Director, The Dyson Foundation
  Topic: Focusing Forward and Outward – A Story of Philanthropy


• Judah Folkman, M.D.
  Director, Surgical Research Laboratories, Children’s Hospital, Boston
  Topic Antiangiogenic Therapy of Childhood Diseases


• Robin T. Cotton, M.D.
  Director, Division of Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
  Topic: Building a Better Pyramid


• Michael R. Hayden, M.D.
  Director and Senior Scientist, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, Children’s & Women’s Health Center, British Columbia
  Topic: Molecular Medicine

Outstanding Philanthropists

• Bernice Frieze-Boston
• The Siragusa Foundation-Chicago
• Dr. Ira Abrahamson, Jr.-Cincinnati
• Charles E. and Sarah M. Seay-Dallas
• Pam and Les Muma-Milwaukee
• Tom and Megan Barrasso-Pittsburgh
• Sam and Rose Stein-San Diego
• The Canadian Chinese Help Care Society- Mr. Han-Show Chieng-Vancouver

1999-ChicagoBack to List

In 1999, CCC members gathered in Chicago, where Teresa Heinz, chair of the Heinz Family Philanthropies and the Howard Heinz Endowment, served as the Honorary Chair. The Leadership Conference was held at Northwestern University School of Law. Kathleen Brown, trustee of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, gave the featured philanthropy speech. Navy Pier was the site of the gala dinner, featuring Grammy Award-winning performers Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick.

Presenters

• Kathleen Brown
  Regent, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
  Topic: State of Philanthropy


• David G. McLone, M.D., Ph.D.
  Chairman, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Memorial Medical Center, Chicago
  Topic: What Happened When Spina Bifida Became a Problem


• Lawrence D’Angelo, M.D., M.P.H.
  Director of Primary Care Services, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington D.C.
  Topic: Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine


• M. Sue O’Dorisio, M.D.
  Elizabeth M. and Richard M. Ross Chair in Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital Columbus
  Topic: Brain Tumors: The Next Frontier in Pediatric Oncology

1998-Los AngelesBack to List

Los Angeles was the site of the 1998 conference. Honorary Chair and Academy Award-winning actress Mary Steenburgen welcomed CCC members to the Leadership Conference in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Anna M. Murdoch, Chair of Children's Hospital Los Angeles Foundation Board of Regents, gave the featured philanthropy speech. Tony Award-winner Betty Buckley performed at the gala dinner, staged at the historic Santa Monica Pier.

Presenters

• Anna Murdoch
  Regent, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
  Topic: State of Philanthropy


• Donald B. Kohn, M.D.
  Director of Gene Therapy, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
  Topic: Gene Therapy in Stem Cells


• Herbert C. Kimmons, Jr., M.D.
  Director, REACH, Children’s Hospital of San Diego
  Topic: Rural Efforts to Assist Children At Home (REACH) program


• Jorge Reyes, M.D.
  Director, Pediatric Transplantation
  Topic: Pediatric Transplantation

1997-MontrealBack to List

In the spring of 1997, CCC members gathered in Montreal, where Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Madam Aline Chrétien served as Honorary Co-Chairs. Her Excellency, Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc and Governor General Romeo LeBlanc were Honored Patrons. William Gates, Jr., was the featured philanthropy speaker. The gala dinner, held at The Chalet at the top of Mount Royal, featured the internationally acclaimed Montreal Symphony. Marvin Hamlisch, recipient of multiple Oscar, Grammy, Tony and Golden Globe awards, was the featured performer.

Presenters

• Diana Fowler LeBlanc
  Honored Patron
  Topic: Children’s Health


• William H. Gates, Jr.
  Founding Member, Children’s Circle of Care, Seattle
  Topic: State of Philanthropy


• Sheila Innis, M.D.
  Professor of Pediatrics, British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital
  Topic: Pediatric Nutrition & Brain Development


• Lap-Chee Tsui, M.D.
  Geneticist-in Chief, The Hospital for Sick Kids, Toronto
  Topic: Cystic Fibrosis


• N. Scott Adzick, M.D.
  Surgeon-in-Chief, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  Topic: Fetal Surgery

1995-Washington D.C.Back to List

In 1995, CCC members were invited to Washington, D.C., where CCC members attended the Leadership Conference at the National Institutes of Health. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton served as Honorary Chair and was the featured speaker. President and Mrs. Clinton hosted CCC members for a black-tie reception and dinner at the White House. Mandy Patinkin, Academy Award-winning actor, performed at the event.

Presenters

• Hillary Clinton
  Honorary Chair
  Topic: Children’s Health Policy


• Scott Oki
  Trustee; Children’s Hospital Foundation, Seattle
  Topic: State of Philanthropy


• David G. Nathan, M.D.
  Medical Director; Children’s Hospital, Boston
  Topic: A Century of Achievement in Pediatric Medicine