Imagine if your child needed healthcare but you didn’t have the means to pay for it. This is a scenario all too familiar for nearly 60 percent of families served by AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital (ABWCH).

As the area’s largest provider of charitable care, ABWCH is making a profound difference in the lives of many children and was the focus of the 6th Annual “Off to the Races” on June 15. The philanthropic event helped raise more than $86,000, with special emphasis on programs for the ABWCH Center for Pediatric Brain.

Reflecting the theme, “A Winning Bet on Our Kids’ Health,” the gala took place at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights and attracted 160 guests. The annual event was hosted by the Alexian Brothers Foundation and this year is sponsored by The Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Superior Ambulance Service, Women’s HealthFirst and Mr. David’s Foundation.

The Center for Pediatric Brain at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital is one of the most advanced programs in the region for treating children and complex neurological issues,” explains Kevin Rath, vice president of women and children’s services at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital. “We are able to bridge the gap in access of compassionate care for thousands of families in our area.”

As part of the “Off to the Races” affair, a “Share Your Winnings” basket was established where guests donated a portion of their afternoon horse racing winnings to help underwrite “scholarships” for children in need of Developmental Pediatrics and Diagnostic Testing. Guests also purchased specially-made coasters with artwork created by young patients at the AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital in Hoffman Estates. In addition, the grand raffle featured three spectacular vacation packages.