Nine Chattanooga couples actively involved with the T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital Foundation came together, pooled their resources, and formed The Children’s Trust in hopes of making a greater impact on the region’s only pediatric academic teaching hospital, T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.

As a philanthropic organization comprised of people who share an interest in pediatric healthcare, The Children’s Trust was established to nurture the next generation of leaders who will serve as ambassadors and provide continued leadership and service to Children’s Hospital.

“We are extremely fortunate to have an extensive number of pediatric sub-specialists in Chattanooga to keep our children healthy,” said Meredith Ruffner, co-chair and founding member of The Children’s Trust. “Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is where our children are treated for anything from stitches to the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer.”

The 2009-2010 Children’s Trust co-chairs are Andrew and Meredith Ruffner and Stephen and Jaclyn Rucker. The original nine couples also include Dr. Jason and Jamie Rehm, Ben and Carolyn Brock, Dr. Woody and Carrie Kennedy, Tim and Virginia Anne Manson, Chris and Deborah Varner, Dr. Brett and Mindy Sanders and Brad and Courtney Cobb.

Recently The Trust held its first kick-off event at the home of Dr. Jason and Jamie Rehm on Signal Mountain where approximately 75 guests learned more about the things happening at Children’s Hospital. At the end of the evening, roughly $23,000 was raised toward The Trust’s annual gift to the hospital.

Each couple’s $500 gift will reflect two membership votes as to how the money will be used in 2010. One hundred percent of the membership dues benefits Children’s Hospital. Grants will be made in October 2010.

Current members of The Children’s Trust include: Ted and Amy Arrowsmith, Tommy and Jeanne Austin, Barry and Alexis Bogo, Jim and Sandra Brewer, Ben and Carolyn Brock, Jerry and Regina Bryant, Dr. Mark and Jayne Brzezienski, Dan Case and Lisa Laplante, Brad and Courtney Cobb, Dr. Tim and Vicki Cox, Dr. Marc and Nancy Cromie, Keith and Laura Lee Dressler, Paul and Becky Farmer, Andy and Sissy Figlestahler, Craig and Terri Holley, Chris and Lauren Howley, Dr. Peter and Kathleen Hunt, Dr. Tarek and Jill Kadrie, Jay and Debbie Kennamer, Dr. Woody and Carrie Kennedy, Alan and Alison Lebovitz, Dr. Chris and Tracie Lesar, F.W. and Shirley Lundy, Tim and Virginia Anne Manson, Dr. Charles and Paige McBrayer, Freddie Moore, Mary Negus, Bill and Sherryl Oellerich in memory of Dr. Butch Hunt, Ricky Park, Chris and Embree Poole, Tom and Monique Poteet, Mark Ramsey, Dr. Jason and Jamie Rehm, Meredith and Kathy Rice, Richard and Jean Rogers, Stephen and Jaclyn Rucker, Andrew and Meredith Ruffner, Dr. Brent and Mindy Sanders, Kevin and Dr. Nita Shumaker, Dr. Michael and Beth Smith, Robert and Amy Snetman, Duane Southerland, John and Stacy Spann, Scott and Cindy Stanford, Rob and Jenny Stickley, Roger and Missy Talley, Chris and Deborah Varner, Joe and Audra Vetzel, Bill and Katie Warren, Leigh Ann Yates and Dr. Munford and Deedee Yates.

For more information about joining The Children’s Trust call 778-7040.