Imagine gala 2025

The Snowball Effect
February 15th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Skirball Cultural Center,
Los Angeles, CA

From One to Thousands: Join the Journey of Transforming Lives

Celebrating our 20th Year by honoring Bear Givers and Dr. Namrata Varma
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love award

Bear Givers

We are thrilled to honor Bear Givers and five of their Board Members, Joseph Sprung, Diane Lempert, Michele Mirman, Barbara Firestone and Richard Fink with the Love Award for their support and dedication to Mending Kids over the years. Their longstanding partnership has been instrumental in providing our mended kids with the comforting teddy bears that become cherished companions during their recovery. These bears offer more than just a cuddly presence—they provide solace, encouragement, and a sense of security as children heal from their surgeries. The generosity of Bear Givers has touched thousands of mended kids, turning challenging moments into a source of warmth and comfort. As we celebrate our 20th year, we recognize Bear Givers for their remarkable contribution, which has added an extra layer of care and compassion to our mission of transforming children’s lives.

A patient girl with a Bear-givers bear in hand
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Dr. Varma with a patient
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Mend Award

Dr. Namrata varma

We are honored to celebrate Dr. Namrata Varma with the Mend Award in our 20th year of Mending Kids. Dr. Varma has been a steadfast partner in our mission, leading annual missions to Guatemala since 2015. Her remarkable dedication is reflected in her status as our most prolific surgeon, having performed over 800 surgeries on children in need.

Dr. Varma, a fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologist at Miller Children's and Women's Hospital Long Beach, has made a profound impact both locally and globally. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Spanish, she has utilized her skills and passion for pediatrics to bridge language and cultural gaps, ensuring comprehensive care for her young patients. Her extensive training includes a fellowship at McGill University in Canada, specializing in complex ear, nose, and throat conditions.

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our mission

Healing Children,
Transforming Lives

At Mending Kids, we're dedicated to a simple yet powerful mission: healing children and transforming their lives. For nearly two decades, we have tirelessly worked to provide critical surgical care to children and mend their futures. Our commitment knows no borders, as we extend our reach to children in need both at home and abroad.

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Mending Kids patient boy

Sponsorship Opportunities

IMAGINE – Our 20th year of saving the lives of children at home and abroad, and gifting them the future and all its possibilities; your support is critical to our mission.

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board members & staff

2024 officers

Ayal Willner, MD - President
Leslie Wright Frost - Vice President
Richard Tabura - Secretary
Alexis Crump - Treasurer

DIRECTORS

Carmela de Brouwer
Deidre Bailey
Dorothy Lucey
Evan Zahn, MD

Jason Frischer, MD
Kristina Jakstys
Mindy Wechsler
Rebecca Aman Bernstein

Robert Bernstein, MD
Trisja Malisoff

staff members

Isabelle Fox - Executive Director
Arielle Leviste - Programs & Outreach Specialist
Chaoyi Liu - Operations Manager
Daphne Wattiez - Mission & Outreach Consultant
Dulcie Morris - Programs Specialist
Jeffrey Schare - Senior Programs Coordinator
Mary Zimmerman - Programs Coordinator
Sara Nachum - Development Manager

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thank you to

our amazing sponsors

Thank you to our amazing sponsors

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