BraveOnes Foundation is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to raise awareness & resources that allow children in need to focus on the joys of being a child. BraveOnes was started by my husband & I, along with our close friends David & Kendra Rosales, in memory of our son Hendrix who passed away after his 1st birthday in August 2017.

Hendrix’s life was short, but filled with immense joy & love from family, friends & his healthcare team. Hendrix frequently visited over 10 specialists, attending multiple appointments each week. However, most of his medical care took place at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Neuroscience Unit. Through our experience, we discovered that patients of the Neuroscience Unit often have conditions that last a lifetime, such as epilepsy, autism & cerebral palsy, & typically experience regular hospital visits + ongoing medical attention. Thus, the Neuroscience Unit has a special place in our hearts & continues to receive our support. Since November 2018, BraveOnes has contributed over $120,000 to the CHOC Neuroscience Unit for a new seizure friendly playroom, with wireless EEG units, & funded XBOXs for every CHOC 5th Floor patient room, as we know first hand the true importance of creating childhood joy - no matter what the outside world sends their way.

During this time of COVID, & with youth mental health on the rise, BraveOnes Foundation has partnered with the CHOC Mental Health Unit for 2021. CHOC has personally experienced a recent surge in the number of pediatric mental health in-patients (ages 8-12 years - with mental health being the #1 reason for ER visits) & an increase in mental health services provided for children as young as 4 years old.

BraveOnes Foundation’s 2021 goal is to raise $70,000+ to fund an imperative CHOC Mental Health Resource Specialist position, which is solely funded through outside grants &/or philanthropic sources - thus financial support is an ongoing need. CHOC Mental Health Resource Specialists build relationships with patients & their families to provide ongoing assistance with & access to needed mental health services, as well as collaborate with the clinical care team to help manage wrap-around services. This crucial CHOC Mental Health position is a key component in supporting our community's youth, both inpatient & outpatient, who are currently experiencing mental health issues at an unprecedented rate.

In an effort to raise funds for our current 2021 campaigns, we are hosting our 4th Annual Hangout for Hendrix Family Music Festival on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 11:00am-5:00pm at the Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana. The Hangout for Hendrix Experience includes live music from local bands, a delicious food truck selection, adult beverages, & family fun activities. In addition, the event will feature a silent auction/raffle. Please note that ALL event proceeds directly benefit our CHOC Mental Health Resource Specialist campaign + the CHOC Neuroscience Unit. A personalized donation letter will be provided for supporters’ charitable tax records. You will also be acknowledged as an auction sponsor on our event website, promoted on social media, advertised on our online auction platform (nationwide), advertised as a partner at the actual event, etc. 

If you are interested in providing a silent auction item/experience for our 2021 Hangout for Hendrix Family Music Festival, please see the attached information and contact me with any questions. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Together we will create childhood joy!

*For further details about our story/mission, please read BraveOnes Foundation's story on the CHOC Blog: https://blog.chocchildrens.org/families-giving-back-spotlight-on-braveones-foundation/