Dutch Heritage & Community Raise $21,000 for Hope’s Harbor to Support NICU Families

September is NICU Awareness Month—a time to honor the strength of families with critically ill newborns and the care teams and community members who support them. In that spirit, we’re sharing a story of generosity that reminds us how deeply our community values supporting NICU families.

Over the course of one heartfelt week, Dutch Heritage Restaurant and their community came together to raise $21,000 for Hope’s Harbor Family Hospitality Homes, an organization that provides overnight accommodations, meals, and support for families with children receiving critical medical care.

The fundraiser, inspired by the family of baby Charles, a former NICU patient, was fueled by an extraordinary outpouring of generosity and effort. After Charles was born at 22 weeks old, his parents Tiffany and Jason stayed at Hope’s Harbor for over 125 nights. Tiffany shares “It was an absolutely incredible blessing to be within walking distance to our baby!! Between the Hope’s Harbor staff and volunteers, we got several meals a week provided for us! Washers, dryers, and laundry detergent were available for use and clean towels were always available for showers! The staff made sure we had everything we needed, including a listening ear on days I just needed someone to talk to! NICU life was stressful enough without the burden of driving 45 minutes home! Being there that long we got to see the blessing that Hope’s Harbor is to many families with NICU babies, and we wanted to support their mission!”

The Dutch Heritage fundraiser was no small feat; their community came together in an incredible way to support families like Tiffany and Jason. Nearly 1,000 people were served during the week, with around 30 volunteers preparing and serving 510 pounds of fish, 230 pounds of chicken strips, 400 pounds of red potatoes, and 40 sheet cakes plus cookies.

“This event showcased the incredible power of community,” said Wendy Hoering, Executive Director of Hope’s Harbor. “The funds raised will directly impact families in medical crisis, helping them remain close to their hospitalized children without the burden of travel or cost.”

Proceeds from the event will help Hope’s Harbor continue providing essential services for families at its locations at Lutheran Hospital and Dupont Hospital.