Who We Are

The vision of Jewel Charity began in 1953 with two women, Mrs. Nenetta Burton Carter and Mrs. Bille Bransford Clark, President of the Woman’s Board of Fort Worth Children’s Hospital. Together they saw the need to provide medical care for children regardless of their families’ ability to pay. A committee of fifteen women was formed and within a month, these women wrote a constitution, recruited the membership, and held the first meeting. Jewel Charity’s first year of fundraising, which culminated with the first Jewel Charity Ball in January 1954, resulted in a $9,000 donation to Fort Worth Children’s Hospital.

In 1985, Cook Children’s Hospital and Fort Worth Children’s Hospital merged to form Cook Children’s Medical Center, now one of the most respected pediatric facilities in the country, receiving patients from all over Texas, and as many as 35 states, and foreign countries. During the 2016 fiscal year, there were over 821,550 visits to Cook Children’s.  Of these, there were 461 heart catheterization procedures performed; 985 infants were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; 19,300 total surgeries were performed, including 15,020 outpatient surgical procedures, and the list grows daily.

The cost increase of quality medical care, especially for extended illnesses, has given Jewel Charity’s fundraising efforts an even greater significance as Cook Children’s uncompensated care costs continue to escalate. Though the needs have changed during our 68 years, the heart of Jewel Charity remains devoted to the children who are patients at Cook Children’s.

Jewel Charity remains true to its original purpose, now with over 625 members, and has raised more than $80 million dollars since the first Ball to ensure that all children at Cook Children’s are provided the health care they need and deserve. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, member organization, the volunteers of Jewel Charity present the needs of the children to individuals, corporations and foundations for contributions.

Guests of the Annual Jewel Charity Ball are made up of donors known as Angels, who donate from $3,000 to $500,000+. Businesses also donate items for chance ticket prizes and a silent auction. A variety of fundraising events are held throughout the year leading up to the Ball. The Jewel book, also an annual fundraiser, is published and distributed to the almost 2,000 guests at the Ball, as well as to the book’s page sponsors. Please join our efforts to carry the message of health and caring for the young patients at Cook Children’s.

How You Can Help

Monetary Donations

Since our inception 71 years ago, Jewel Charity has raised more than $80 million for Cook Children's. Angel donations range from $3,000 to $500,000.

In-Kind Donations

Businesses and individuals donate their services to promote
Jewel Charity’s efforts and inform the community about
Cook Children’s.

Prize and Auction Donations

Jewel Charity raises over $400,000 annually in auction and raffle ticket sales. Businesses donate auction items and raffle ticket prizes, which include luxury cars, fine jewelry and trips abroad.