The Guilds of Children's Hospital

The Guilds of Children’s Hospital Central California are celebrating 60 years of advocating for the health and well-being of children. More than 1,200 committed women and men work side-by-side raising needed funds and serving as community ambassadors. The Hospital’s largest financial contributor, the Guilds have raised more than $20 million to ensure excellent healthcare for Valley youth.

Mission

To raise funds, advocate for children and promote good will for Children’s Hospital.

History

In 1949, the founding mothers had a shared vision of establishing a dedicated pediatric hospital in the San Joaquin Valley. Mrs. Agnes Crockett, Mrs. Gail Goodwin, Mrs. Helen (Maupin) Ross, Mrs. Carolyn Peck and Mrs. Patty Randall decided a guild system would be needed to accomplish their goal. In September that same year, Llanada Guild held its first event and raised nearly $5,500. Two years later, construction of Valley Children’s Hospital began in Fresno on donated land.

Over the years, the Guilds’ fundraising efforts have provided for vital medical equipment and services. In 2008, the Guilds pledged to raise $1 million to establish The Guilds of Children’s Hospital Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Endowment. In 2009, the Guilds’ Coordinating Council voted to add an additional $4 million, bringing their total pledge to $5 million. The endowment will provide support for the creation of a fully-accredited Child Advocacy Center. The Child Advocacy Program currently operates a medical clinic, the SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) Team and does community outreach and education.

Today there are 15 Guilds throughout the 10-county area Children’s Hospital serves. The Guilds raise funds through fashion shows, themed luncheons, dinner dances, plays, drawings and home tours. Two of the Guilds operate six days a week:

Holiday Boutique
Fresno's most unique gift shop, the boutique features crystal, china, silver and Herend figurines.
1772 W. Bullard Ave., Fresno, CA 93711
Holiday Boutique web site

La Tienda Thrift Shop
One of the oldest of its kind, the thrift shop opened the same year as Children’s. Located in the Tower District, it offers household items, clothing, toys, jewelry, books, and much more.
708 E. Olive Ave., Fresno, CA 93728

Guild Events & Special Fundraisers

Cooking with Friends. Recipes with a Purpose.

Los Niños Hispanic Guild cookbooks are on sale, featuring recipes by community friends, business and civic leaders and local restaurants. Enjoy 300 breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert recipes, along with appetizers and recipes for kids too!

$20 per cookbook.

Please email Elena Romero to place your order.

To learn how you can become a part of this incredible volunteer Guild system, please visit Join a Guild.

To learn more about all Children’s Hospital Guilds, please visit Our Guilds.