Episode 61
Christine Baranoucky, Vice President of Engagement, Stewardship, and Corporate Philanthropy for the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation, reveals how community-driven philanthropy creates lasting impact for children and families.
Christine traces the incredible evolution from a modest hospital founded by seven women to an institution touching over 7 million lives annually. She shares the story behind “Rally Round” — a reinvigorated, festival-style fundraiser that celebrates care providers, families, and spirited community partners, while raising vital funds for non-reimbursable services like art therapy, music therapy, and mental health initiatives.
Christine delivers practical inspiration on the ripple effects of generosity, the power of collaboration, and why supporting others makes for stronger communities.
Connect with Christine Baranoucky
Highlights:
02:43 - 130 years ago, we were caring for 200 kids on an annual basis. And now today we have 7.3 million connections with kids throughout the state every single year, which is really amazing. We really touch and affect the most kids throughout the state.
06:35 - It really was the evolution of a 45-year tradition that we had with Al's Run and Walk... he really wanted to give back, and he wanted his players to give back. So we had that amazing event for 45 years
09:57 - So how we do that is every hour there's an honor lap. And so each hour is connected to a service line area... They'll have a specific hour where all the care providers are going to gather all the kiddos that were cared for by that service line.
15:37 - So we had 32 very brave care providers that agreed to be in the dunk tank... And so back then to now, or right before the event, what people will do is they can make donations.