A History of Generosity

CHOP has transformed the lives of children worldwide by making extraordinary discoveries and setting the standard for scientific innovation — and our donors have been with us every step of the way.

Here is a glimpse of CHOP’s early philanthropic history:

1857

The first formal fundraising effort occurs in the form of a speech by a famous orator that raises $394.84.

1878

A donation of one doll is listed as “bought out of the pennies saved by a boy.”

1915

The approximate cost of caring for a child per day is $1, which leads to the creation of an appeal called Dollar-a-Day that raises more than $500,000 in just 10 days.

1929

From his cell in Holmesburg Prison, Al Capone donates $1,000 to the Hospital.