Starlight Awards
Starlight is incredibly focused on fulfilling our mission - delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families - and we could not do this without the support of our generous donors, partners, and hospitals.
In 2023, several individuals, organizations and groups went above and beyond in promoting our work of bringing joy to kids at a time when they need it most. Recognizing them with a Starlight Award is a small gesture in comparison to the lasting impact of their efforts.
2023 Starlight Award Honorees
Lifetime Achievement | Don James, Nintendo of America
Don James, executive vice president of operations, has led the effort for customized Starlight Gaming at Nintendo of America for the past 32 years, ensuring program funding and overseeing the production of the Gaming Stations and tech support. He is a fierce advocate for the power of play on hospitalized kids and, under his leadership, 7,850 Starlight Gaming Stations have delivered comfort and familiarity to over 13 million sick kids.
Golden Heart | Chrissy Constanza
Chrissy, singer, songwriter and gamer, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Against the Current, exemplifies compassion and community spirit through her continued fundraising efforts for Starlight. While participating in the Twitch Rivals: Friday Night Bites event, she raised over $56,000 for Starlight. Her passion for Starlight’s mission was highlighted during her visit to Rady’s Children’s Hospital and her ability to connect with their patients.
Hospital Heroes
Hospital of the Year | K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital
K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive care to their community and a dedicated Starlight Hospital Partner. Their Child Life and Marketing and Communications teams understand the importance of positive distraction and entertainment and utilize Starlight Programs to bring the healing Power of Play to their pediatric patients.
Excellence in Innovation | Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle Children's uses video games, virtual reality, and other therapeutic technology to enhance patient experiences, improve outcomes and provide opportunities for therapeutic play, goal setting, autonomy, and problem-solving. By conducting research, Seattle Children's Therapeutic Gaming Program is measuring the positive impact of gaming’s potential to promote movement, healing, rehabilitation, and skill development.
Hospital of the Year | Miller Children's and Women's Hospital
Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA is one of only eight free-standing children’s hospitals in California. Their Child Life and Marketing and Communications teams have been an integral part of the Starlight Hospital Partner network as they emphasize the Power of Play with their patients using Starlight programs.
Content Creators of the Year
Amish_Ace
Joining the Stream for Starlight Family in 2022, @Amish_Ace's story is simple: he is that LEGO Guy. Amish_Ace is also a father, a Starlight Stream Ambassador, and avid gamer. He and his community, The Acolytes, have raised more than $21,000 for hospitalized kids and their families.
Nomads_Land_Official
@Nomads_Land_Official is an active variety content creator and passionate Starlight Streamer, who proudly sports a Starlight logo tattoo. Since joining Stream For Starlight in 2022, he has continuously smashed his fundraising goals for every campaign and has raised an impressive $39,000.
TheJang
@theJang, a veteran and Twitch Maker & Crafter, is known for designing original creations for his impressive LEGO city. He began fundraising for Starlight in 2023 and has already raised over $30,000 with his stream team, Stream Stars.
Golden Heroes
Meghan Gawryck
Meghan has been running with Team Starlight since 2023, when she challenged herself to raise $10,000 to celebrate her 10th Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. She remains a passionate fundraiser, who continuously rallies her community for Starlight.
WakeMed Child Life Team
The Child Life Specialists at WakeMed help children and families cope with the stress and anxiety that many individuals experience during a hospital stay. They utilize Starlight programs for education, emotional support, and play therapy to help kids navigate the medical setting while working to normalize the environment.