July Newsletter: Dominic's Dream Camp, Summer Smiles & More!

Welcome to our July 2026 newsletter! Can you believe it’s already mid-summer? June was absolutely packed with sunshine, laughter, and, most importantly, smiles! From the roar of the crowd at Citizens Bank Park to the quiet, competitive intensity of a high-stakes Bingo game at one of the region's Ronald McDonald Houses, we’ve been busy making magic happen for local kids who need it most.

We are so incredibly grateful for our community of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. You are the heartbeat of everything we do! Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a new friend, your passion fuels our mission to provide immediate joy to children we serve. Let’s dive into the incredible stories you helped us create this past month!

June 2026 at a Glance

📊 Kids Impacted: 200+ in June | 1,040 YTD

😊 Smiles Created: 78 direct activities + 4 bingo nights

🏥 Partners Engaged: 14 in June | CHOP, Nemours, Shriners, St. Christopher's, RMH-Philly, RMH-SJ, RMH-DE, Mission Kids & Visitation Homes

🎯 Activities & Events: 14 in June | 110 YTD

💰 Direct Investment: $80,353.08 YTD

A Home Run Hero: Dominic’s Phillies Ballgirls Dream Camp

If there’s one story that perfectly captures the "Dream" in Little Smiles, it’s Dominic Solometo’s big day. Dominic is a brave 10-year-old Shriners patient and one of our beloved Stars Ball kids. This June, he stepped into Citizens Bank Park, not just as a fan, but as a VIP guest for the Phillies Ballgirls’ “Dream Camp.”

Dominic was treated like the absolute MVP he is! His day kicked off with a private clinic where he got to learn the ropes directly from Phillies alumni and the Ballgirls themselves. But the surprises didn't stop there. Dominic was presented with a custom Phillies jersey, sporting his own name, and was taken on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark.

One of the coolest moments? Getting access to a private viewing area for batting practice! Dominic and his sister watched the pros warm up from just feet away before heading to their seats to watch the Phillies take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Seeing the pure joy on Dominic's face as he soaked in the ballpark atmosphere is exactly why we do what we do. It wasn’t just a game; it was a temporary escape from hospital schedules and treatments, a day where Dominic could just be a kid at the park.

Making Waves This Summer!

Our mission is all about saying "YES" to the little things that make childhood special. This summer, we’ve been focusing on making sure kids in the hospital, shelters or abuse agencies don't miss out on the best parts of the season.

Thanks to our amazing donors, we’ve been able to clear the way for some seriously cool summer memories this June:

🏊 Swim Club Memberships: We recently covered a summer swim membership for a young oncology patient from St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and his family, giving them a place to escape the hospital, cool off and bond together.

🦁 Zoo Adventures: We also provided a zoo membership for a family through Mission Kids, allowing them to spend days throughout the year learning about animals.

We also paid for family YMCA memberships and summer camp fees to make sure every child has a chance to participate in the community and stay active this summer.

These aren't just line items on a spreadsheet: they are opportunities for laughter, fresh air, and a much-needed sense of normalcy.

Royal's Karate Kick-Off

Royal, a brave 7-year-old in remission from St. Christopher's, is ready to kick his way into a new chapter! Little Smiles is so proud to have provided Royal with a full 1-year karate membership. It’s more than just a class; it’s about building confidence, strength, and having fun after a long journey of treatment. We can't wait to see your progress and watch that belt change colors, Royal!

A VIP Day with the Sixers

Talk about "going big!" Two boys from Nemours Children’s Health were recently treated to the ultimate NBA experience. We arranged for a round-trip limo to whisk them away to the Philadelphia 76ers practice facility. There, they got to meet the players, see where the magic happens, and were absolutely showered with Sixers swag. Because of the sensitivity of their situation, we don't have photos to share for this one, but the smiles (and the gear!) were definitely legendary.

Sloan’s Night Out with Luke Bryan

Remember Sloan, our incredible Star from the April Stars Ball? This little oncology warrior at St. Chris just celebrated finishing two years of maintenance treatments in the most country-rock way possible! Her parents bought her tickets to the Luke Bryan concert and we sent them there in style—limo and all. The highlight? She got her pink cowboy hat autographed by Luke Bryan himself! Congratulations on this huge milestone, Sloan! You're a true champion.  Check out the video on our Instagram.

Bingo & "Served With Love": Family Game Nights at RMH

If you’ve never been to a Little Smiles Family Game Night, you’re missing out on some serious energy! Our Smile Captains—Bella Minnitti, Diane Wilson, and Tony Grandizio—have been on fire lately, helping bring high-energy events to Ronald McDonald Houses (RMH) across the region.

At RMH Philadelphia, we’re proud participants in the "Served With Love" dinner program, providing a delicious meal followed by a high-stakes Bingo game. Over at RMH Southern New Jersey and Greater Delaware, we bring the heat with Bingo games packed with tons of incredible prizes from Five Below.

There’s nothing like the sound of a kid shouting "BINGO!" to light up a room. It’s a chance for families staying at the RMH to take a breath, connect with others, and share a moment of pure fun away from the hospital setting.

June gave us a full slate of amazing partner-hosted bingo nights:

• Michael Frattone joined Steve Grandizio on June 11 at RMH Southern New Jersey, where they handed out $400 in Five Below prizes and brought the kind of energy that turns a simple game night into a memory-maker.

• Dynamic Volleyball Academy (DVADelco 16u) stepped up on June 17 at RMH Philly, preparing dinner for 127 families and giving away bingo prizes all night long—an incredible act of teamwork and heart!

• Cloudline PT hosted on June 29 at RMH Philly, serving dinner, playing bingo, and handing out Five Below prizes with big smiles and even bigger spirit.

• Bancroft Construction wrapped up the month on June 30 at RMH Greater Delaware, volunteering at Family Bingo Night and helping distribute Five Below prizes to families in attendance.

A huge shout-out is also due to Power Home Remodeling! They joined Smile Captain Kendall Brew at RMH Philly for a night of dinner and bingo. Not only did they bring incredible enthusiasm, but they also helped secure a massive $5,000 grant for Little Smiles! This kind of corporate support is what allows us to keep the pizza hot, the prizes coming, and the joy rolling from room to room.

A Night at the Pitch for RMH Philly

Soccer fans, unite! We were thrilled to partner with Predictive Analytics to send 16 family members from the Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia to a Union game at Subaru Park. They didn't just get tickets; they got the full VIP experience in a private suite!

Watching the game from the suite provided a comfortable, exciting environment for families who often deal with a lot of stress. Huge thanks to Predictive Analytics for donating the suite, one of a dozen games they donated this season, and giving these families a night to cheer on the Union together!

Instant Community: Junk Food Runs

No matter the season, our Junk Food Runs never stop! These monthly lunchtime events are a cornerstone of our mission, bringing 8-12 fresh, hot pizzas and shopping carts filled with popcorn, Oreos, Doritos, Cheez-Its, and Goldfish directly to kids at CHOP, St. Christopher's, Nemours, and Shriners.

The best part? It’s instant community. We see families from all over the world, every religion, and every walk of life sitting together to enjoy a slice and a snack. There’s no bingo here—just the smell of fresh pizza and the joy of a shared escape.

🎬 Lights, Camera, Little Smiles: Dakota Studios Video Shoot

On June 14, we had an incredibly special day at Dakota Studios, where we filmed with kids, parents, direct care professionals, and supporters who help bring our mission to life every single day. It was one of those powerful, joy-filled moments where you could feel the heart of Little Smiles in every conversation, every laugh, and every story shared.

This video is all about the people behind the mission—and the children and families who remind us why this work matters so much. We can’t wait to share the final cut with you soon!

🎂 20 Years of Little Smiles — Join the Movement!

This year, we’re celebrating 20 years of Little Smiles—20 years of showing up with urgency, heart, and joy for children facing serious illness, chronic conditions, disability, tragedy, and trauma.

To honor this milestone, we’re inviting our community to make a simple commitment with a huge impact: just $20 a month. That’s less than a night out—and it helps fund snack runs, summer memberships, bingo prizes, special outings, and so much more.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a steady, meaningful difference, this is it. Join the movement, celebrate 20 years with us, and help us keep the smiles coming strong. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY!

LOOKING AHEAD: Monte Carlo Night 2026!

Mark your calendars, because our biggest night of the year is approaching! Monte Carlo Night 2026 will be held on November 7th at the incredible Simeone Museum. Imagine a night of high-stakes (but friendly!) fun surrounded by one of the world's greatest collections of racing sports cars.

Early Bird tickets are officially LIVE! This event is our primary fundraiser, and it’s always an unforgettable evening of glamour, gaming, and giving. Don't wait: secure your spot at the table today!  CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP

Stay in Touch with Little Smiles! We love hearing from our community. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or just share a story that made you smile, reach out!

Address: PO Box 957 Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Website:www.littlesmilespa.org

Together, we’re changing lives( one smile at a time!)