Corporate Partner Spotlight: Tuckernuck

In our monthly Corporate Partner Spotlight, we speak with corporate leaders about what inspires them to serve as advocates and ambassadors for children’s health. This month, we spoke with Emily Grayson, vice president of operations and chief of staff at Tuckernuck.

 

For nearly a decade, Tuckernuck has supported Children’s National Hospital through retail proceeds, sponsorships and more. Emily serves alongside other young professionals fundraising for the hospital, including through Champions for Children’s National. Paul Grayson, husband to Tuckernuck Co-Founder Madeline Grayson, also serves as chair of our Foundation Advisory Board. For the Graysons, giving back is a family affair.

 

How has Tuckernuck supported Children’s National over the years?

 

Tuckernuck has supported Children’s National since 2015! Over the years, we have hosted shopping events in our flagship store in Georgetown with proceeds donated to Children’s National. We also facilitated patient playdates in the hospital, sponsored events like the Junior Council’s Dancing After Dark event, created a team for the Race for Every Child 5K Run/Walk and more.

 

Why does Tuckernuck choose to give back through Children’s National?

 

Children’s National and children’s health are near and dear to our company mission. Since Tuckernuck’s inception, we have lived by the motto, “find the fun,” and we’ve encouraged our employees, customers, friends and families to join us. Children naturally gravitate towards fun and help adults rediscover joy in our day-to-day lives. Giving back to local organizations like Children’s National, to advocate for and improve children’s lives, regardless of their circumstances, is an essential part of our corporate fabric.

 

What motivates you personally to support our work?

 

As a Washington, D.C., native, Children’s National has always been a part of my life in one way or another. Growing up, I recall having friends or siblings of friends receiving treatment at the hospital. As a young professional, my nieces and nephews visited for playground injuries. Now, as a mother, I’ve personally relied on Children’s National to support my children’s medical needs.

 

When I step through the hospital doors, and each time I hear a story of someone else’s experience there, I am always blown away by the staff. Every individual exudes compassion and empathy when interacting with patients and families. They inspire me to give back to their work.

 

What’s the most rewarding part of partnering with Children’s National?

 

Sparking a little bit of joy and helping families and children who are going through a difficult time is incredibly rewarding.

 

One of my favorite volunteer activities at the hospital is supporting Dr. Bear’s Toy Shop in December. This past year, I had the pleasure of delivering gifts to patients’ rooms. It was the most gratifying experience to see the faces of young patients light up from their hospital beds and know that we had distracted them for a few moments from their health worries.

 

We hear you have a special surprise for moms at the hospital this Mother's Day. What inspired this gift?

 

We were eager to join the Mother’s Day campaign at Children’s National to encourage the community to honor moms of patients and spread a little joy. As a local retailer (and moms ourselves!), we know that a surprise gift can go a long way.

 

For almost a decade now, we have partnered with local early childhood public schools to host a Mother’s Day jewelry drive and enabled children to shop for the mom figure in their lives. Through this initiative, we have seen the kids’ pride in being able to “give back” to their moms and how surprised the moms are to receive their special gift.

 

We hope to bring a bit of fun and normalcy to moms and kids at the hospital this May by helping them celebrate Mother’s Day and let them know they are not alone.

 

Tuckernuck is generously matching all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to a total $25,000, through May 31 to give moms and kids at the hospital the hope, healing and joy they deserve. Give today to double your impact.