UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals gear up for annual charity event

OAKLAND, Calif. - UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals is preparing for one of its most exciting charity events this week.

"Notes & Words" is a philanthropic event, featuring performances by musicians and writers. Erin Hickey, Vice Chancellor of Development and Alumni Relations at UCSF, said 100% of the proceeds support the more than 250 children receiving care at the San Francisco and Oakland campuses.

Children’s Hospitals provides 24/7 care for children ranging in age from newborns to teenagers. Aside from clinical care, UCSF also focus on a child’s emotional and social well-being. Public donations help cover the cost of things not covered by insurance, according to Hickey.

"Family support services, additional equipment, child life services, music therapy… none of that is reimbursed by insurance, and we’re absolutely committed to providing that at all times," Hickey said.

The event is continuing its tradition of a one-night-only show, featuring live music and storytelling.

"We have the incredible privilege of having wildly talented individuals join us like kids from the Oakland School For the Arts, all the way to award-winning musicians and songwriters," she added. "At the end of the day, we want people to feel really good about supporting the hospital, and this is a really fun way to do it that gets some entertainment, but stays core to who we are and who we serve."

The 15th annual "Notes & Words" event happens on Saturday at the Fox Theater in Oakland.

The event starts at 8pm. For more information, visit notesandwords.org.