MADERA, Calif. – Employees of Kern Valley State Prison in Delano paid a visit to Valley Children’s Hospital to make a special delivery: a check that will support some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.
The team teed off with a purpose and raised $10,000 for the Happy Hearts campaign during the 2025 Warden’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Celebrating its 22nd year, the Happy Hearts campaign continues its mission to support the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Valley Children’s Hospital.
The funds will help support patient care, developmental needs, and special projects for staff, patients and families in the PICU. Representatives from the prison were also given a tour to see where their funds will be put to use.
The fundraiser was made possible by Skip Nugent, a member of the Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation board. He founded the Happy Hearts campaign in memory of his daughter Heather, who received care in the PICU more than 20 years ago. The compassionate care she received during her stay drives the Nugent family to continue their philanthropic work and honor her legacy.
“The big heart behind the Happy Hearts campaign is truly extraordinary,” said Rob Saroyan, president of Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation. “To see a family turn personal loss into a legacy of healing and support for others is deeply moving — and it’s exactly the kind of community-driven generosity that strengthens everything we do.”
With this latest contribution, Happy Hearts has now raised more than $1.8 million toward its $2 million goal.
