February 10, 2026
The Anne and Rollin Bates Foundation generously awarded its first grant to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in the form of a $70,000 investment in the popular Pet Therapy Program at the Center for Youth & Families.
Launched in 2023, this innovative program integrates a hypoallergenic certified therapy dog—lovingly known throughout the community as Dani the Therapy Dog—into the Center’s therapy sessions, emergency responses, and medical evaluations. Dani and her partner Kevin Tieman, a trained Children Trauma Response Coordinator, also assist with court testimonies, forensic interviews, and community outreach efforts on behalf of the hospital and the communities it serves.
“Dani and Kevin have played a major role in advancing the Center for Youth & Families’ mission by fostering comfort and connection between our expert team of providers and our most vulnerable patients,” shared Debbie Bender, Director of Philanthropy at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.
“We are tremendously grateful to begin a partnership with the Anne and Rollin Bates Foundation, as their philanthropic support will sustain our successful Pet Therapy Program for an additional year,” continued Bender. “The Center’s unique integration of specialized care and animal-assisted therapy underscores our commitment to innovation, holistic healing, and caring for the whole child.”
If you, your family, or organization is interested in supporting our mission, visit our Ways to Give webpage or contact a member of our Philanthropy Team.