Lila's Fund is dedicated to keeping the legacy of Lila June Kelley alive while providing love, hope, and support to RMHC families caring for hospitalized children. Join us in our mission to bring comfort and support to those in need.
About Us
The Kelley Family
We are the Kelley family — a hard-working, blue-collar family whose lives were forever changed when our daughter Lila came into this world. Like most families, we NEVER imagined we would one day be founders of a nonprofit. We were simply parents loving our child, navigating a journey we never expected, and learning firsthand how powerful compassion and community can be during life’s most difficult moments.
After Lila’s passing, we knew we wanted to keep her memory alive in a way that brought light to others walking a similar path. Lila’s Fund was born from our love for her and our desire to give back the same hope, love, and support that carried us through our darkest days. What began as a way to honor Lila has become a mission that has helped heal our hearts, thanks to the overwhelming support of donors, volunteers, and families who believe in Lila’s legacy.
Lila’s big sister, Amelia, plays a special role in our journey. Though she is still very young and may not fully understand the mission behind Lila’s Fund, she knows that helping what she calls “sister’s friends” — families staying in the hospital and at Ronald McDonald House is very important. Whether she’s picking out snacks at the grocery store for families staying at the House, proudly giving gifts to patients at the hospital, or helping mom with events, her simple acts of kindness remind us that even the smallest gestures can bring comfort to families facing overwhelming circumstances.
Through Lila’s Fund, we want families to know they are not alone. We want to offer the same hope and encouragement that was given to us and gently remind them that, even in the hardest moments, "this too shall pass". By helping others through Lila’s legacy, we keep her memory close and her love alive in everything we do.
Our Mission
The mission of Lila’s Fund is to ease the emotional and financial burdens of families with hospitalized children. When funds are available, we provide $25–$50 gift cards to ALL families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Michigan and Ann Arbor. We also supply essential wish list items for the House and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Through our Cups of Kindness coffee program at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Congenital Heart Center Family Lounges we provide fresh coffee & tea to families enduring long visits. In Lila’s memory, we share hope when it is needed most.
Our commitment extends beyond basic needs; we strive to nurture the spirits of families navigating difficult times. By providing gift cards, monetary donations, fresh coffee in the family lounges, and essential wish list items, we ensure that no family must bear the weight of added stress while caring for a loved one. Spreading Love, Hope, and Support, we empower families to focus on what truly matters: being together during life’s most challenging moments.
We cannot express enough gratitude to our supporters! Their generosity and commitment to our mission has truly transformed lives and inspired hope where it was once lost.
A Milestone Year
In the past year, Lila’s Fund has continued to shine as a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenges of childhood illness.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we proudly raised $4,000 at our 1st Annual Cornhole Fundraiser, $3,000 at our first Poker Run, and an incredible $15,000 at our 2nd Annual Golf Outing. Team Lila’s Fund also raised $12,644 at the Congenital Heart Walk with the Children’s Heart Foundation — bringing our total impact this year to $36,794.
Through these efforts, we’ve provided essential wish-list items and financial support to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Our mission is rooted in love, ensuring that every family feels the warmth of community during their most difficult times.
These funds are more than numbers — they represent gift cards, comfort items, and vital research that bring hope to children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their families. Each contribution, big or small, has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
With continued dedication and steadfast support from our donors, sponsors, and volunteers, Lila’s Fund remains committed to spreading Love, Hope, and Support throughout our community.
We invite you to join us in this mission — together, we can continue to light the path for families in their darkest moments.
Our Efforts
Over the past year, Lila's Fund has also focused on enhancing the well-being of families at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
Our yearly swaddle drive provides swaddles to support, comfort and care for newborns.
We also donated pencil pouches with essential itmes to help families keep their child’s heart guide book organized.
In addition, we prioritized supporting the Cups of Kindness program, enabling families to enjoy fresh coffee, tea, and hot cocoa in the family lounges. This simple act fosters a warm, comforting environment while uplifting spirits during long hospital stays.
Our contributions to the Congenital Heart Center exemplify our dedication to support, directly benefiting families navigating similar health challenges.
Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact.
Gratitude From Families
Families have been So Thankful. A few families have said how much the cards will help get settled back home. One family said they were putting the card towards a car seat they really needed. Another family mentioned how valuable the gas card was as they were experiencing financial hardship and had a long drive home.
“Lila’s Legacy continues to make a huge impact on many families in a time when they need it most” - The Miller Family
“Thank you Julie, and your entire family of support! Lila’s Fund is an inspirational movement to support our mission! Your Gift will directly impact families when they need it most!” - RMHCAA
"Your support for our program is deeply appreciated. Thank you for the important contribution that you have made in brining hope and transforming lives"-
Dr. Charpie
“It's the little things that can make a huge impact! Thank you! What you are doing through Lila's legacy is Amazing!!”
-DeVisser Family
“Please pass along my gratitude to the Kelley’s for their generosity and kindness. It is much appreciated and is really making a difference for families” - RMHCAA
“The work you are doing in Lila’s memory is making an impact” - Lindsay Miller
“You are helping so many babies!” - Bronson Mother's Milk Bank
"I was so touched by the gesture of this caring family giving to fill a need as simple as my breakfast. I was moved by her story. I saw the pictures of you and your husband Korey at the Red Shoes event and was just so very grateful for the love and support you continue to show by the work you two are doing through this fund. I'm so pleased to read her story and wanted to say to you that Lila's life is still reaching others! She is a welcomed friend to our family! Thank you, thank you, thank you for loving us through your daughter!" - Ron Koontz on behalf of my wife Janelle, Bo and his three sisters too!
By the Numbers
Our financial contributions have been directed toward various essential areas within C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital that played a crucial role during Lila’s journey. These include the Congenital Heart Center (11W), the Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (PCTU), the Jones Family Lounge, Palliative Care, Neurology, Child Life, Cups of Kindness, and Physical/Occupational Therapy. Every donation, regardless of size, can significantly enhance the quality of care and services available to families in need.
Numerous vital wish list items have been generously donated to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities. These contributions offer families a sense of normalcy and comfort during challenging times. Thank you for your kindness in supporting this cause through your donations.
As funds allow, every family staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in West Michigan and Ann Arbor receives a $25–$50 gift card. Our goal is to ease some of the financial stress families may face during extended hospital stays with their child.
All Time Donations
$13,000
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Congenital Heart Center
$22,988
The Children's Heart Foundation
$24,000
Ronald McDonald House Charities WM & AA
All Time Wish List Items
415 Swaddles
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Pediatric Cardiothoracic Unit
329 Toys, books, outfits
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital & Ronald McDonald House Charities WM & AA
215 Pantry Items
Ronald McDonald House Charities WM & AA
Lila's Fund at RMHC West Michigan & Ann Arbor
480 Families Positively Impacted
Ronald McDonald House Charities WM & AA
$24,000 worth of gift cards handed out
Ronald McDonald House Charities WM & AA
Meet The Team
Our Supporters
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our sponsors for their generous donations to our event. Your support has made a significant impact, and we truly appreciate your commitment to our cause. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us bring it to life!
Lila’s legacy lives on in every family we uplift, every heart we warm, and every hope we inspire.