‘the easiest mission to get behind’
In 2025, the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and Plano broke an incredible record and came together to make life better for more kids.
Each year, the Women’s Auxiliaries to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and Plano show up for the kids and families of North Texas in incredible ways.
For more than 60 years, Auxiliary members across North Texas have devoted themselves to supporting the Children’s Health℠ mission of making life better for children by volunteering, advocating and raising more than $2.1 million in funds in 2025 for its critical needs.
The chapters’ unwavering support is crucial to the health system during a transformative period of growth — namely, at the new Dallas pediatric campus, built in partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center, and the expansion of the Plano campus.
In 2025, for the first time in its decadeslong history, the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas raised more than $1.8 million. The record-breaking funds will go toward the chapter’s $5 million commitment for the new Dallas pediatric campus, a philanthropic priority for Auxiliary leaders.
“It’s a great feeling for us to know that our work can do something meaningful for the future of Children’s Health,” said Brandi Chilian, the Dallas chapter’s president. “Our goal is to help bring hope and happiness to more families.”
She said the milestone has reenergized the chapter’s members, who continue to pour their all into their fundraising efforts.
“Everyone is motivated to keep breaking our record each year,” she said. “I think we’re on track to do the same this year.”
In Collin County, more families last year relied on Children’s Medical Center Plano for care after the opening of the new patient tower — built in part thanks to generous fundraising, including a commitment from the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Plano.
And more patients meant more supplies needed for the patient cart. Like sunshine on wheels, the cart is stocked with goodies like snacks and toiletries meant to brighten hard days for families. In 2025, the Plano chapter received a $15,000 grant from Tom Thumb to support its Patient Cart program.
The cart is one of the few ways that we can reach patients and families at the hospital on an ongoing basis, so it’s extremely important to us. It’s like a little ray of sunshine to families.
— Kim Gleason, the Plano chapter’s president
Kim joined the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Plano when it was founded 16 years ago. Leading the Plano chapter isn’t without challenges, but spearheading its efforts has been the most rewarding experience, she said.
“It’s the easiest mission to get behind,” she said. “Who can say no to supporting kids in our community?”
The grant — which will allow the Plano chapter to do more to support patient families and care team members — reminded Kim that there are others within her community who want to help make life better for children.
“I just couldn’t be more proud,” she said. “It’s all worth it if it puts a smile on somebody’s face or makes something a little bit easier for a parent.”
That simple invitation over the phone turned to more than three decades of supporting Children’s Health — and, most recently, a $100,000 donation made through her family foundation that will go toward the new Dallas pediatric campus.
“We felt like this was a unique and meaningful opportunity to support the new campus and the patients — which are the heart and soul of Children’s Health,” Susan said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Everyone in North Texas should get involved — this is their community hospital.”
The donation will fund a patient room at the new hospital, which will be named after the Susan H. and John C. Farris Family Foundation.
Over the years, Susan tirelessly chaired multiple committees and fundraisers, including the Women’s Auxiliary Dallas chapter’s style show (which has since been sunset), Breakfast with Santa and Family Night at Six Flags. She also served as president before later joining the Children’s Medical Center Foundation board and the Crystal Charity Ball, which fundraises to benefit kids in Dallas County.
“Being involved with Children’s Health is one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had,” she said.
Susan continues to be an advocate, cheerleader and supporter of the growing health system, especially as her own family continues to expand.
Now a grandmother, seeing the strides Children’s Health is making toward ensuring it positions itself as one of the country’s most transformative pediatric hospitals makes her proud.
“I’m happy that this hospital will be here for anybody in the community that needs it,” Susan said. “My hope is that Children’s Health can continue to serve and heal more kids in our community.”
‘A unique and meaningful opportunity’
Longtime Women’s Auxiliary member Susan Farris remembers the call she received from a friend more than 35 years ago shortly after moving back to Dallas.
“You should join the Women’s Auxiliary,” her friend suggested.
