Zusa Donates Sustainable Hats for Rare Disease Fundraiser
At Merchology, we believe that the best thing our merch can do is make a difference. That’s why when the opportunity arose to donate custom gifts for the Gilmore Family Foundation’s inaugural event, we jumped at the opportunity.
The Gilmore Family Foundation
The Gilmore Family Foundation was founded after unprecedented circumstances. Andrew Herrington-Gilmore and Lauren Giannini faced sudden change in their lives when their daughter Mara was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2018 at the age of two. She was treated at Children’s Wisconsin, where she underwent immune suppression therapy. After a year, Mara went into remission, and she’s now a healthy first-grader.
But their story doesn’t end there. During the year of Mara’s treatment, the Gilmores had their second child, Jay. In 2019, was diagnosed with ATRX syndrome, a genetic condition that affects multiple organ systems and causes severe physical and mental disabilities. Then, in 2022, Jay was also diagnosed with cystic fibrosis on top of his previous diagnosis. Jay receives treatments five days a week, takes medication daily, and has spent long periods of time in the hospital. Despite doctors’ predictions, Jay can walk and loves learning new things.
The Gilmore family is the only family in the world to be affected by all three of these rare diseases. To be affected by even one of these conditions is life-changing, but to have all three is astronomically rare. But the Gilmore family has taken these challenges and heartbreaks with bravery, strength, and determination. Andrew, Lauren, Mara, and Jay persist through struggles intent on finding health and happiness, and their outlook is truly inspirational.
But again, the story doesn’t end here. Because of the life-changing care their family received, Andrew and Lauren established The Gilmore Family Foundation in 2022. The purpose of this organization is to raise money to support research, diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of childhood rare diseases. Andrew and Lauren are taking their experience and turning it into something even more powerful, using their knowledge to help other families going through extremely difficult times.
“A Night Out”: The Gilmore Family Foundation’s Inaugural Event
On April 28, The Gilmore Family Foundation hosted its inaugural event. Complete with cocktails, good food, and multiple auctions, the theme of the event was “A Night Out”, and it took place at a beautiful popular venue in Chicago.
The goal of the event was to raise money for Children’s Wisconsin. The funds raised will be used to support and build the hospital’s Undiagnosed and Rare Disease Program. Andrew and Lauren believe that every parent should be able to find reliable, quality care for children diagnosed with rare diseases. By supporting the Rare Disease Program, the Gilmore family hopes to connect families facing terrifying circumstances to care teams that are knowledgeable and equipped to treat their children.
The event was a major success: 300 people attended, and the Gilmore Family Foundation raised over $250,000!
Zusa Donates Custom Hats for the GFF Rare Disease Fundraiser
Due to personal connections between friends of Merchology and Andrew Gilmore, we were able to become a part of this fundraiser for childhood rare diseases. Merchology will be a top sponsor of the event, and along with Zusa, we were able to donate 400 hats for the event. Everyone who donated received at Zusa Dad Cap with the Gilmore Family Foundation's Logo embroidered on the front!
The hat we chose for decoration and donation is the embroidered Zusa Staycationer Dad Cap in Charcoal. It’s a comfortable, versatile hat that’s the perfect casual addition to any outfit. The custom Zusa Staycationer Dad Hat is a sustainable take on this classic hat style: it’s made from 100% recycled polyester twill.
With the Gilmore Family Foundation’s logo embroidered on these custom hats, all those who wear them will build recognition for this amazing organization and in turn spread awareness about childhood rare diseases.
At Merchology, we’re so thrilled to be part of such a powerful event and to be connected with these inspiring people. It’s an honor to use branded merchandise to help better people’s lives. We know this event will have a strong impact on Children’s Wisconsin and families affected by rare childhood diseases.
Contact Us
Need logo-branded apparel or gifts for your next event? Contact a Merchologist today! We can help you find the right products to build awareness for your business, organization, or foundation. Shop custom hats, drinkware, T-shirts, raffle prizes, and more!