Stellar Foundation sponsors event benefiting critically ill children

Stellar employees Amy Haag (left) and Laurie Metzger (right) take a step back in time in the Foundation's 1950s diner-themed door.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 26, 2009) - The Stellar Foundation, the corporate giving division of Stellar, a design, engineering, construction and mechanical services firm, was recently a sponsor of the fifth annual "Halloween Doors and More" event. Proceeds from the event benefited Community PedsCare, a Community Hospice of Northeast Florida program, which provides care and support to children with life-threatening conditions and their families.

The Stellar Foundation also participated in the Halloween-themed event, which featured whimsical facades, or "doors," where children could explore and trick-or-treat for toys and candy. Stellar sponsored a door with a 1950s diner theme, which was run by company employees dressed in leather jackets and poodle skirts. The employee volunteers distributed soda floats and ice cream to the more than 1,000 guests, including Community PedsCare clients and their families.

The event is expected to raise $400,000 for the program, which represents about one-third of the Community PedsCare annual budget. The Stellar Foundation's monetary donation will help fund the program's overall mission of providing essential medical, emotional and spiritual support to an average of 100 children and babies per day.

The Stellar Foundation is a longstanding contributor to the organization. This is the Foundation's third year sponsoring "Halloween Doors and More," and it recently gave Community PedsCare a portion of the funds it raised during the Stellar Foundation's annual charity golf tournament.

"Community PedsCare helps some of our area's most vulnerable citizens and supports families as they face highly challenging circumstances," said Allison Korman, Stellar's director of corporate marketing and public relations. "In a time when money is tight and many nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat, the Stellar Foundation is proud to help Community Hospice make a positive difference in Northeast Florida."