Children's HealthJanuary 7, 2025
Registration now open for annual Donut Dash fundraiser
(SACRAMENTO)
Registration for the 17th annual Donut Dash is now open.
The fun run raises money for the UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 8 at 8:30 a.m. at William Land Park in Sacramento.
The event starts with a two-mile run, jog or walk to Marie’s Donuts where the competitive participants eat four donuts before sprinting the two miles back to the start/finish area. Noncompetitive participants can consume three donuts or six donut holes (or nothing at all!) before finishing the run.
Since 2016, Donut Dash (as well as its companion event, the Scoop Scoot) has raised more than $500,000 for the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. The funds helped purchase items for pediatric patient use, such as iPads, a 3D printer, art supplies and musical instruments.
The money also supported the Beads of Courage program for patients with life-altering conditions at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. An official playroom naming ceremony was held in 2024, with the unveiling of the “Powered by Donut Dash” sign in the pediatrics unit playroom.
“Although I like to tease that our department runs on donuts, it’s true in the most meaningful way,” said Diana Sundberg, manager of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. “The funds from Donut Dash fuel our mission, which is to provide the Child Life & Creative Arts Therapy staff across nine areas of the health system with the toys, tools, and resources needed to support children while they navigate the uncertainties of hospitalization and illness with comfort and courage.”
The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department helps to minimize the anxiety of hospitalization, increase understanding, and strengthen coping skills while helping children continue their typical growth and development.
To register for the event or to make a donation, visit the Donut Dash website and choose to support the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
