TUCSON, Ariz. (March 31, 2025) – Banner Children’s Diamond Children’s Medical Center and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation played host to more than 100 teenage patients and their guests at the special Dunkin’ Prom night at the Arizona Sands Club.
For many participants who can’t attend their school prom, Saturday’s special night offered a welcome distraction and a chance to dress up, celebrate and spend time with friends. Banner Children’s Dunkin’ Prom, along with 18 others across the country, is part of the Dunkin’ foundation’s mission to bring the simple joys of childhood to kids and teens when they need it most.
The Arizona Sands Club was decked out for the “Night Under the Sea” theme with vibrant ocean-themed decor and a variety of fun activities for guests, including arcade games, a sand art station and more. Gadabout Salon Spas provided glam sessions for those in attendance. Dunkin’ added an extra touch of sweetness to the evening with tasty treats and a special appearance by Dunkin’s mascot, Sprinkles.
Diamond Children’s and the Dunkin’ foundation recognize the importance of social activities and event participation for teenage patients, which is why both organizations teamed up to create this memorable experience.
"Teen patients face distinct challenges, and they often miss out on typical teenage experiences, such as prom," said Hadley Trull, associate director of child life at the hospital. "This event was designed to acknowledge their need for celebration and normalcy, providing a space where they could enjoy a memorable prom experience, despite the unique circumstances they face."
To help ensure that Diamond Children’s can continue hosting a prom for its patients each year, the Banner Health Foundation has created the Diamond Children’s prom fund and invites the Tucson community to learn how their contributions can help: http://give.bannerhealth.com/diamondprom.
This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Dunkin’ Prom. The foundation has played host to more than 60 events in conjunction with children’s hospitals around the country to date, with 19 proms scheduled for 2025.
"Experiencing prom is a milestone in the lives of many teens,” said Mollie Collum, director of the Joy in Childhood Foundation. “Patients battling health issues or undergoing treatment may miss the chance to have a special, joyful event with their peers, like prom. Our Dunkin' Prom signature program allows teen patients the opportunity to enjoy a night of laughter and fun - just for them. We are honored to partner with Diamond Children’s to bring this joyful prom experience to the teen patients in Tucson.”
To learn more about the Dunkin’ Foundation and its impact in communities across the country, visit www.bringjoy.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’, provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $60 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country thanks to the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees. To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, visit www.bringjoy.org and follow on Facebook,Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center
Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services include emergency care, heart disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism and developmental disorders, cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders, neurological problems, orthopedics, intensive care needs and more. It is the only pediatric medical facility in Arizona connected to an academic research facility — the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center — where physician-scientists provide access to groundbreaking science and research to advance children’s health. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/diamondchildrens.
For further information contact us at: media@bannerhealth.com