Children's National Medical Center has been considered one of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation for more than 130 years. Its endowment is extremely low compared to similar hospitals and is inadequate to continue funding advances in pediatric health care.

We have selected The Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Center for Surgical Care at Children's as the recipient of the money raised by this race. In 2003, the Plaza America Family 5K made a donation of $135,000. In 2004, $180,000 was raised by the event. In just three short years this race has contributed more than $400,000 to Children's Hospital for its important programs.

The surgical facilities at Children's have not been updated since the hospital was built in 1973. By improving its facilities, Children's can provide even better care in a streamlined, more cost effective, technologically advanced, user-friendly environment.

Children's surgeons and anesthesiologists are providing top-notch care in facilities that do not allow for expansion or installation of the newest technologies. A phased renovation of the perioperative spaces and the operating rooms is required. Funds must be raised for the build out of 10 new operating rooms. Each of the 10 new operating rooms will be tailored to a different surgical specialty: ENT procedures, orthopedics, general surgery, cardiac surgery, etc. Children's staff and doctors understand the special needs of seriously ill children, and their facilities must support them.