2025 Starlight Awards
Starlight is committed to fulfilling our mission - delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families. We could not do this without the support of our generous donors, partners, and hospitals.
In 2025, several individuals, organizations and groups went above and beyond in promoting our work of bringing happiness to kids at a time when they need it most. Recognizing them with a Starlight Award is a small gesture in comparison to the lasting impact of their efforts.
Lifetime Achievement Honoree
Henry Fields
Being a devoted champion for over 28 years, Henry Fields, former senior counsel and partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP (MoFo), has been a compassionate champion of Starlight Children’s Foundation for more than two decades. Since 1997, Henry served on the board with humility and dedication, taking on leadership roles including the executive committee, audit committee, and vice chair.
While MoFo has generously provided pro bono legal services to Starlight since 1991, Henry played a pivotal role in strengthening and sustaining this support throughout his tenure. Thanks to his dedication, MoFo contributed over 15,000 hours of pro bono legal services – valued at $8.4 million – supporting a range of legal matters, including tax and HR guidance, contract negotiations and more.
MoFo’s support has helped advance key initiatives, including co-branded programs, the “Starlight Hub” ordering platform for hospitals, and the “Starlight Families Program,” which supports families beyond hospital walls.
Golden Hearts
Mckenna Grace
Mckenna Grace is being honored with Starlight’s Golden Hero Award in recognition of her decade-long support in helping Starlight deliver happiness to hospitalized kids. As a longtime Starlight ambassador, she’s participated in Dream Halloween, the 2016 Give Actually PSA, and most recently, visited hospitals in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York to distribute Ghostbusters-themed gowns and connect with patients. In memory of her best friend Faith, she joined in arts and crafts with kids at Providence Tarzana Medical Center and even painted a picture of her dog Marshmallow. One of her fondest memories with Faith was “spamming” nurses for chocolate ice cream. Compassionate and mindful during hospital visits, Mckenna connects with patients in a meaningful way that they’ll remember for a long time.
Mena Suvari
Mena Suvari is being honored for Starlight’s Golden Hero Award in honor of her 18 years of support as a Starlight ambassador. From her early involvement at the 2007 A Sparkling Sundae event with Jewelers for Children to her recent involvement in helping launch the Power of Play campaign and Upside Down Challenge, Mena has continually used her voice and platform to uplift hospitalized children. In 2024, she rallied her community to support two fundraisers benefiting Starlight. Mena’s longtime dedication, involvement and kindness make her a champion of our mission to deliver happiness to seriously ill kids when they need it most.
Hospitals of the Year
Cohen Children’s Medical Center
Cohen Children's Medical Center is honored for providing core activities including developmentally appropriate play, medical play and preparation, procedural support, and art and music therapy. They also maintain a full agenda of special events for their young patients, including pet therapy, movies, arts and crafts, a hospital patient art gallery, and a horticulture program. Their child life team exemplifies the power of play, delivering the spirit and impact of our programs. Their partnership has included meaningful storytelling and stewardship opportunities with key partners.
Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children
Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children is honored because of its commitment to inspiring the development of Starlight's program offerings. Their child life team has contributed to developing Starlight Gowns and continuously provides insight into how Starlight programs can grow to be more inclusive and diverse. The partnership has enabled opportunities to share impactful stories in new, creative ways. Additionally, the hospital care team connects families to Starlight's Families network to ensure they can benefit from its programs both at the hospital and at home.
Golden Heroes
CHOA Arthur M. Blank Hospital
The child life, the Zone, and Seacrest Studio teams take the journey alongside the patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital to help normalize the hospital experience. Whether they are working one-on-one with patients, leading social and play activities for groups or entertaining patients at the Seacrest Studio, these teams offer a form of play to help reduce fear, pain, stress and anxiety. These care teams work tirelessly and diligently, utilizing Starlight programs to unleash the healing power of the play.
Kevin Prefer
Kevin Prefer’s son, Christopher, was born without a bile duct, a rare condition that resulted in major medical interventions, including a transplant for a new liver, pancreas, stomach, colon and intestines. Complications from Christopher’s surgery took their toll, and he passed away at the age of 12. Since then, Kevin aims to pay it forward to honor his son's memory. Remembering how playing video games on the Starlight Gaming Station brought Christopher comfort and joy, Kevin made it his mission to deliver the same happiness to other kids. “I know what it did for him. So that’s what I want to do for other kids,” Kevin said.
Debbie and Glen Bickerstaff
The Bickerstaffs are longtime major donors and also close friends with Dave Koz. Most recently, in 2025, they donated $50,000 in honor of Dave's Lifetime Achievement Award and another $10,000 as a Give Happiness matching gift. Since 2004, they have raised over $1 million for Starlight.
Content Creators of the Year
theJANG
theJANG, a veteran and Twitch maker and crafter with over 50,000 followers, raised close to $52,000 for Starlight. Known for building and reviewing LEGO and other model kits, theJANG designed original creations for his expansive LEGO city. Since joining Starlight’s mission in 2023, he continues to support the cause, fundraising with 88 other streamers in the Twitch stream team, Stream Stars. theJANG shared how impactful it has been to connect directly with families benefiting from Starlight’s programs.
Quiltoni
Quiltoni, a partnered Twitch streamer and professional quilter, raised an impressive $20,000 for Starlight. Known for her pixelated patterns, inspired by comic books and video games, she teaches the basics while introducing new techniques to seasoned quilters. Through her vibrant online presence, Quiltoni sells fabrics, patterns and finished pieces, and travels to teach, lecture and host trunk shows. Her streams often described as a “fabric fiesta” turn quilting into an engaging, interactive experience. With quick fingers and boundless creativity, she uses her platform to raise awareness and funds, furthering Starlight’s mission with every stitch.
NinePointFive
NinePointFive is a rubber chicken-wielding Twitch streamer, bringing laughs, creativity, and gaming vibes to every stream. They use their platform to make a difference, rallying their community to support hospitalized kids through fundraising efforts. A Twitch Partner and founder of the Artists & Makers Creator Club, NinePointFive fosters a space for collaboration, creativity, and kindness. Whether streaming gameplay or crafting projects, their quirky personality and heart for giving back make every stream unforgettable. NinePointFive’s mission is simple: spread joy, inspire generosity, and prove that play has the power to change lives!