The Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation Change Makers Junior Board reached its fundraising goal to provide 2,400 safe sleep swaddles for babies born into vulnerable situations at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. The swaddles will go to families who are uninsured or underinsured.
The Change Makers, founded in 2024, are a vibrant community of high school students dedicated to volunteering their time, talents, and energy to raise critical funds for Sacred Heart and Studer Family Children's Hospital. As ambassadors of Sacred Heart’s mission, members support the health and well-being of our community through leadership, fundraising, volunteerism, and collaboration. Members serve on the board for one year and work towards a specific fundraising goal.
The 2025-26 Change Makers Board had 17 members from Escambia and Santa Rosa County high schools ranging from sophomores to seniors. They raised $26,000 to fund the safe sleep swaddles.
A safe sleep swaddle is a wearable infant blanket designed to wrap a newborn snugly, mimicking the security of the womb while supporting safe sleep environments aligned with pediatric guidance.
“Every swaddle means a safer, softer start for a baby who needs it most,” said Adrienne Maygarden, President of the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. ”Thank you to our Change Makers Board members for their hard work all year, and to every single donor who made this goal possible. Your generosity is showing up in real, tangible ways for families across our community. This is what happens when young leaders decide to make a difference.”
The 2026-27 Board, the 3rd cohort of Changer Makers, is already underway and is working towards helping children at Studer Family Children’s Hospital overcome barriers to movement and communication. They have begun fundraising for specialized therapy equipment and AAC communication devices that will help children take supported steps, express emotions, and gain independence. More than 1,200 children each year could benefit from this project.
