Learn More about Friends
Become a Friend and make a difference
Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is a volunteer organization supporting hospital patients and families through fundraising, outreach and programs.
When you become a Friend, your donation directly supports patients and families while they cope with hospitalization. Whether through free meals for families, grants to departments through the Children’s Services Grant program or support of the hospital’s bereavement committee, Friends’ impact is felt throughout Monroe Carell.
With a 50-year history, Friends is a vital part of the hospital’s team. Program support impacts every area of Monroe Carell throughout the year. Friends also hosts fundraising events to financially support various hospital departments in transformative ways.
Become a Friend and support a family dealing with a hospitalization today. Every Friend makes a difference!
Friends connection opportunities
When you donate to Friends, you get access to exclusive opportunities that make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families.
- Monthly newsletter with upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and news across the hospital
- Invitation to all Friends events, including fundraisers, luncheons and other activities supporting Monroe Carell
Volunteer opportunities
Friends who wish to volunteer have a variety of opportunities throughout the year, listed below. You can denote your interest when you become a Friend. If you are already a Friend and wish to volunteer, contact friends@vumc.org with your interest.
Outreach
Friends volunteers provide need-based support at varying hospital activities. Friends interested in these opportunities are contacted as needs arise.
Patient and family support
Friends donations fund various in-hospital programs. Coordinated by Friends volunteers, these programs are designed to help ease the stay for patients and their families.
Note: The following opportunities require a year-long monthly commitment from September to August, with special training required. Recruitment for these roles occurs each spring based on volunteer availability and hospital policies.
- Lunch Bunch
- Patient special events
- Pizza Bingo nights
- Flashes of Hope
- River Bingo volunteer support
- Time for Remembering
Fundraising Events and Efforts
Friends coordinates fundraising activities throughout the year, all of which include volunteer opportunities.
Contact Us
Phone: (615) 322-4863
Email: friends@vumc.org
Friends leadership
President: Allison Fowler
President-Elect: Martha Galyon
Past President/Nominating Chair: Shawn Haile
Secretary: Debbie Militante
Treasurer: Beth Kost
Membership: Natasha Stoneking, Joanna Wootten
Fundraising: Sandy Cornelius, Shane Foshee
Volunteer Engagement and Outreach: Lindsay Moore
Patient and Family Support: Kelly Shirley
Children’s Services: Jennifer Blankenship
Director of Friends (staff): Cindy Comperry