IHOP to Serve Free Flapjacks Nationwide on February 23

INDIANAPOLIS (February 1, 2010) - IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner has announced plans to serve millions of free pancakes in celebration of National Pancake Day on February 23. The celebration is designed to raise nearly $2 million for Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children’s hospitals. Riley Hospital for Children is the only Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated hospital in Indiana.

2010 will mark IHOP’s fifth year of celebrating the national event, and nearly 1,400 IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will once again invite guests to enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s signature buttermilk pancakes. In return, IHOP guests are asked to donate what they would have paid for the free pancakes, or more, to the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in their community.

Additionally, IHOP is hosting a Miracle Balloon icon campaign from February 1-23 to raise additional funds.

WHAT:            Fifth annual IHOP National Pancake Day

WHEN:            February 23, 2010

WHERE:          Local participating IHOP locations supporting Riley Hospital for Children

WHY:            
Riley Hospital requires significant and broad-based financial support to sustain and expand groundbreaking, life-saving treatment and research, facilities and accessibility.

Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised over $2 million to support charities in communities in which it operates. For more information about IHOP’s National Pancake Day, or to learn more about Children’s Miracle Network and make an online donation, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year, families turn to Riley for care more than 200,000 times. Children come from all 92 Indiana counties, across the nation and throughout the world. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital for Children the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org

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INDIANAPOLIS (January 28, 2010) - WFMS will lend their broadcasting talent in a philanthropic initiative to raise funds for Riley Hospital for Children during the sixth annual WFMS Riley Radiothon sponsored by GasAmerica and Foresters. The event takes place February 11-13, airing live from the Riley atrium. 

In 2009, the WFMS Riley Radiothon generated more than $240,000 for Indiana’s only comprehensive children’s hospital.

Thirty families will share their remarkable stories during the three-day event. Tatum Parker, who rang the bell at Riley Hospital in Oct.2009 to celebrate excellent test results and the end of her treatment after battling Ewing’s Sarcoma since 2006, is one of the children who will participate in the event.

WHAT:          
Sixth annual WFMS Riley Radiothon sponsored by GasAmerica and Foresters

WHEN:          
Thursday, February 11 - Saturday, February 13
Thursday and Friday: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

WHERE:        
Riley Hospital for Children Atrium
702 Barnhill Drive
Indianapolis, IN  46204             

WHY:          
Riley Hospital requires significant and broad-based financial support to sustain and expand groundbreaking, life-saving treatment and research, facilities and accessibility. Listeners can make a donation by calling the Foresters Phone Bank at 888-RILEY-KID or by visiting WFMS.com.

About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year, families turn to Riley for care more than 200,000 times. Children come from all 92 Indiana counties, across the nation and throughout the world. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital for Children the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org

About Foresters

Founded in 1874, Foresters helps individuals and families achieve financial security with its innovative portfolio of life insurance products and annuities. Foresters shares its financial strength with its members, who are customers, through complimentary life, health and education benefits that help its more than 735,000 eligible members and their families in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Foresters provides opportunities that inspire its members to make a difference in their communities. For more information, please visit www.foresters.com. Foresters is a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9. 404656 CAN/US (06/07)

FWCS Ready to Take Back Miracle Corporation Status

 FORT WAYNE (February 3, 2010) - Fort Wayne Community Schools kicked off its annual fundraiser for Riley Hospital for Children today in hopes of regaining the title of Miracle Corporation. To become a Miracle Corporation each school must raise $1 for each student in the building. Two years ago, FWCS students raised $31,738 and became the largest Miracle Corporation ever. Last year, students and staff raised nearly $30,000, falling just short of the district’s goal.

In 2009, 32 of the district’s 51 schools earned Miracle School status, including Croninger Elementary School where the official fundraiser kickoff was held. Croninger was one of the top collectors last year with more than $1,000 raised. The fundraiser is part of the Kids Caring & Sharing Program, which gives students a chance to help other children. The program is a special project of the Indiana Association of School Principals to support the Riley Children’s Foundation.

“Riley is special to many people in the Fort Wayne Community Schools family because so many of us have students or children who have relied on Riley services; are friends or neighbors of a Riley child; or even were Riley children themselves at one point,” said Croninger Principal Rebecca Dennis. “Many children have friends who have gone through sometimes extensive medical treatments and don’t know what they can do to help. Kids Caring & Sharing gives students an opportunity to make a difference and support their classmates.”

Riley Hospital is Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children. The hospital opened in 1924 in honor of the famous Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. Each year, more than 220,000 patient visits take place at Riley. Children come from each county in the state, across the nation and throughout the world. The hospital has a strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine, making it the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region.

Each year families from Allen County turn to Riley for care nearly 3,000 times; families from Northeast Indiana visit Riley more than 6,500 times. Many of these children are also being treated at either Parkview or Lutheran facilities. Of the appointments from Allen County, 193 are inpatients visits and 2,795 are outpatient visits.

“The collective energy and dedication Fort Wayne Community Schools has demonstrated is remarkable,” said Greg Williamson, assistant VP of Development at Riley Children’s Foundation. “Students develop an understanding of the importance of giving, while truly making a difference for the patients at Riley Hospital.”

The partnership between FWCS and Riley Children’s Foundation went a step further last year, when the Foundation awarded Blessings in a Backpack a $10,000, providing food for 125 students for an entire year. Blessings in a Backpack seeks to end hunger among FWCS students by sending a backpack full of food home with students for the weekend.

Each of FWCS’ 53 school buildings and several administrative areas will raise money to reach Miracle status. Those not working in or attending an FWCS school can drop off donations at any FWCS building.

INDIANAPOLIS (January 25, 2010) - For the fifth time, Riley Hospital for Children - one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals and Indiana’s only comprehensive children’s hospital - has once again been verified a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma. Riley Hospital was first verified in 1995.

Riley Hospital is the only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in the state of Indiana, and is one of only 27 verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Centers in the nation. Riley Hospital continues to remain the most qualified hospital in the state to take care of critically injured children. Trauma patients include victims of pedestrian or motor vehicle accidents, burns, falls and other severe injuries.

Level I verification is the highest distinction for trauma centers. It means that Riley Hospital is capable of providing total comprehensive trauma care for every aspect of injury from pre-hospital phase through rehabilitation and injury prevention. The trauma service excels in part due to its integration with the Riley Emergency Department, the most sophisticated pediatric emergency center in the state caring for all children from minor illnesses to major multiple trauma.

The ACS is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College has over 72,000 members and it is the largest association of surgeons in the world. Longstanding achievements have placed the ACS in the forefront of American surgery and have made it an important advocate for all surgical patients.

“We are extremely pleased to be once again verified as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center,” said Dan Fink, president and CEO, Riley Hospital for Children. “The trauma team must be congratulated for their exceptional patient care. This special distinction means that Riley has the highest level of resources available to offer the most specialized care around the clock. The trauma program is fully integrated within the Riley Emergency Department, the Riley Burn Center and the Riley Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, bringing together the highest trained physicians and nurses to treat severely injured children.”

In addition to trauma, Riley Hospital remains committed to providing world-class medical care to all children - from life threatening illness to the most common medical problems. The Riley Emergency Department has been offering pediatric emergency care for more than 85 years and continues to treat the most severe pediatric illnesses and injuries.

RILEY PEDIATRIC TRAUMA FACTS:

• Only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in Indiana;
• Only verified pediatric burn center in Indiana;
• First pediatric emergency department in the state, with over 26,000 visits annually;
• Treats more than 900 trauma patients per year;
• Provides 24-hour access to pediatric specialists with the highest level of training and certification available; and offers multiple injury prevention programs throughout Indiana.

About Riley Hospital for Children
As one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals and Indiana’s first and only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital for Children, a part of Clarian Health, has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families for 85 years. Each year, Riley Hospital and Riley Hospital at Clarian North serve over 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health, and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine, makes it the only comprehensive clinical resource for Indiana’s children and the premiere source for health-related information for their parents. From simple care associated with the health and wellness of children and less complex specialty care to the most critically-ill and medically complex cases, Riley Hospital for Children is a national leader. Clarian Health o perates the Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children campuses as a single hospital under Indiana law. Visit www.rileyhospital.org for more information.

# # #

Media Contact:
Margie Smith-Simmons
Clarian Health
(317) 962-4085
msmithsi@clarian.org

WHAT: Special premiere movie event: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks 
                
WHEN: Friday, February 26; 8 p.m.
               (The movie airs to the public on Sunday, March 14 at 9 p.m. on ESPN)
                           
WHERE: Conseco Fieldhouse; Downtown Indianapolis

TICKETS: Tickets for the premiere are $10 in advance ($12 day of event) and are available now at the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office or Pacers.com.

About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Every year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 220,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make it the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org

INDIANAPOLIS (January 29, 2010) - Students at Mater Dei High School are gearing up to host the annual “Souper Supper,” a fundraiser which helps benefit Riley Hospital for Children. Teaming up with the support of students from Reitz Memorial High School, the event takes place before the boys varsity basketball teams face off later in the evening.

The “Souper Supper” has been a tradition between the two schools for nearly 10 years. Generous faculty, students and families make donations to Riley Hospital in return for bottomless bowls of homemade soup. Mater Dei Principal, Timothy Dickel, is enthused to have the event return to his school as it switches locations each year.

“This is a unique event because while the two schools are rivals on the athletic court, they come together to support a great cause,” said Dickel. “Many students know people in the area that have received medical services from Riley and continue to feel compelled to support the hospital.”

The school expects several hundred people to attend, as the event raises approximately $2,000 each year. The fundraiser is sponsored by the Mater Dei and Memorial High School’s student councils. Adult tickets are $4, student tickets are $3, and all proceeds go to Riley Hospital.

WHAT:          
The annual “Souper Supper” for Riley Hospital

WHEN:          
Saturday, January 30; 5-7 p.m., prior to the boys varsity basketball game

WHERE:        
Mater Dei High School cafeteria
1300 Harmony Way
Evansville, IN 47720-6199
(812) 426-2258

WHY:             
Each year, children from the Tri-State area visit Riley Hospital nearly 4,000 times for hope and healing. Come out enjoy the event and support your families, neighbors, and friends.

About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Every year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 220,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make it the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org 

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INDIANAPOLIS (January 21, 2010) - Students in Indianapolis are gearing up for the eighth annual Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM) to benefit Riley Hospital for Children. The 12-hour event will be held at Butler’s Health and Recreation Complex on Saturday, January 23.

An executive committee comprised of 22 students plan year-round to make the event a success. Ben Cohen, president of BUDM, has raised more than $16,000 on his own to support the event.  BUDM will honor Ben’s sister, Sarah Cohen, a Riley Hospital patient who died of Ewing’s sarcoma on August 13, 2009.  The Sarah Michelle Cohen Spirit Award will be presented in her honor.

“She is my inspiration,” said Cohen. “She was an incredible young lady and loved Riley more than any person I know and will ever know.”

This year, the eighth annual BUDM aims to surpass $70,000. In addition, BUDM will be trying to break a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Group Robot Dance. They will attempt a five minute synchronized dance and will need 352 participants.

WHAT:          
Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM)

WHEN:          
Saturday, January 23; 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

WHERE:        
Butler University campus
Health and Recreation Complex
530 W. 49^th St.
Indianapolis, IN  46208

WHY:             
BUDM has started a five-year pledge to raise funds for Riley Hospital, and a patient room will be named after the event at the Simon Family Tower at Riley Hospital. Fifty percent of funds benefit oncology research and 50 percent support the highest needs of the hospital.

BUDM is a member of the Riley Dance Marathon Program, the nation’s largest Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated dance marathon program. Students from 26 Indiana universities and high schools are lacing up their dancing shoes during the 2009-2010 academic year to raise money for Riley Hospital. Last year, schools combined to raise $1.7 million.

About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year, families turn to Riley for care more than 200,000 times. Children come from all 92 Indiana counties, across the nation and throughout the world. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital for Children the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org

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INDIANAPOLIS (January 18, 2010) - Thirty-six floors, 500 feet and 790 steps straight up. That is the challenge awaiting a crowd of participants who will run, walk or crawl their way up the OneAmerica Tower on Saturday morning during the 27^th annual Bop to the Top event benefiting Riley Hospital for Children.

“Team Luke” was organized by Todd and Vicky Andritsch of McCordsville, Ind., in honor of their 6-year-old son. Luke is in his third year of treatment for leukemia at Riley Hospital. Approximately 50 people will be “bopping” and raising funds thanks to the family’s efforts.

Last year, more than 1,450 participants took part in Bop to the Top and raised more than $33,000 for Riley Hospital. All participants are strongly encouraged to collect donations for Riley Hospital through personalized, online fundraising pages: firstgiving.com/rileykids.

Participants may compete in one of three divisions and must preregister for Bop to the Top at tuxbro.com/. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers, and recognition will be provided for the top fundraisers. T-shirts will be handed to “boppers” achieving the 36-floor climb.

• Individual - Participants pay $22 ($25 after Jan. 20) to register for Bop to the Top.
• Teams - Gather a team of four and register for $22 per person ($25 after Jan. 20) in one of seven categories: open, coed, all-female, firefighters, family, collegiate open or masters (visit tuxbro.com/ for details).
• Triple Step Division - If climbing the tower just once isn’t enough for you, individuals should enter the triple step division for $35 ($40 after Jan. 20). Participants will climb the tower three times; each time is added up for a “total time.” Participants have a three hour period to complete all three climbs.

WHAT:          
27^th annual Bop to the Top; proceeds benefit Riley Hospital

WHEN:          
Saturday, January 23
(Event time: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; prizes follow at 1:30 p.m.)  

WHERE:                   
OneAmerica Tower; Downtown Indianapolis

*MEDIA NOTE: All press is welcome. You will need to take the freight elevator to the 36^th floor for finish line action.

About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Every year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 220,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make it the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org 

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INDIANAPOLIS (January 13, 2010) - Riley Hospital for Children patients Creed and Christopher Fritz, West Terre Haute, will enjoy the honor as “Coin Toss Kids” when the Indianapolis Colts kickoff their playoff game versus the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, January 16 at 8:15 p.m.

The family is receiving four tickets to the game and will enjoy limousine transportation from their Indianapolis hotel. Creed and Christopher will also collect an autographed Colts photo and a personalized Colts jersey. They will take part in the coin toss at the 50-yard line alongside National Football League referees and captains from each team.

During the regular season, two Riley Hospital patients received this honor at each home game. The opportunity is made possible thanks to a partnership between Riley Children’s Foundation and the Colts.

About Creed and Christopher Fritz
Hometown: West Terre Haute

Summary: Chris and Lauri Fritz welcomed triplets - Creed, Christopher and Rae-Ann - into the world in September of 2000, 12 weeks prematurely. Weighing less than three pounds each, the triplets were treated in the newborn intensive care unit at Riley Hospital. Sadly, Rae-Ann passed away at 18 weeks due to medical complications.

Today, 9-year-old brothers Creed and Christopher are third-grade students at West Vigo Elementary School. They are healthy, active and share a strong affinity for race cars. The two have been racing quarter midgets since age 5. Their cars are adorned with the Riley “R” and red wagon emblem as they often race to help support the hospital that saved their lives. The brothers also enjoyed meeting John Andretti this past summer as part of the annual Kroger Race for Riley presented by Cheerios, a go-kart event which has raised more than $1.5 million dollars for Riley Hospital throughout the years. They are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to step on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium.

About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Every year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 220,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital for Children the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org 

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INDIANAPOLIS (January 8, 2010) - This tax season, more than 150 H&R Block offices statewide are prepared to make $25 contributions to Riley Hospital for Children. Donations will be made for every new eligible client who conducts tax preparations. H&R Block area offices will also be accepting public donations and undertaking community fundraising events to benefit the work of Riley Hospital.

H&R Block will make tax preparation donations through April 15, 2010. Riley Children’s Foundation referral coupons should be presented by taxpayers at the time of service. Click here to download your H&R Block / Riley Children’s Foundation referral coupon.

On Saturday, January 16, H&R Block offices in Indianapolis, Muncie and Anderson will host Second Look Reviews. During that day, tax professionals will provide second look reviews of prior year returns prepared by taxpayers themselves or other firms, and provide a $25 donation to Riley Hospital. The $29 service looks for overlooked deductions, credits or math errors on completed tax returns, which can mean additional refunds for taxpayers.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Riley Children’s Foundation,” said Clare Scales, H&R Block Public Relations Coordinator. “Whether it’s free tax advice, a community service project or raising money for charity, giving back is part of H&R Block’s culture.”

“We are so grateful to have dedicated partners like H&R Block,” said Sherry Sutton, Riley Children’s Foundation, “We hope the community will assist the children at Riley Hospital by participating in this great campaign.”

Last year H&R Block contributed approximately $26,000 to Riley Hospital.

 About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Every year children from all 92 Indiana counties come to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 220,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make it the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org 

About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s preeminent tax services provider, having prepared more than 500 million tax returns since 1955.  In fiscal 2009, H&R Block had annual revenues of $4.1 billion and prepared more than 24 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 120,000 highly trained tax professionals.  The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, online through H&R Block Online, through its TaxCut® software and through other channels.  The Company is also one of the leading providers of business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.