It's About Caring for Kids (IACKids) was created in 2012 for the charitable purpose of aiding middle-income families living in the Greater Rochester area who are in need of financial assistance during their child’s long-term hospitalization. 

Neil, John and Anthony Butera, three brothers, as well as their cousin Nino Pilato, and their good friend Loreto Barbone started the organization to honor a dear friend’s son, who passed away from a rare blood disorder. 

IACKids helps families who do not qualify for government assistance because they have jobs.  When parents learn that their child is ill, they have a very tough decision to make… Do they leave them in the hospital alone while they’re at work or do they go on medical leave to be by their side?  IACKids makes the decision for them to take unpaid medical leave from work and provides these amazing moms and dads with financial assistance to cover housing, transportation, and medical costs during their child's treatment. 

IACKids has allowed parents to be by their child's side during their treatment and not have to worry about how their bills are going to be paid.  Since 2012, IACKids has raised over $1 million through the amazing generosity of so many wonderful personal and corporate donors.  Through their partnership with the Pediatric Social Work team at Golisano Children’s Hospital, IACKids has supported over 150 local families during their time of need.

It is a great honor to recognize these wonderful men and IACKids as the Community Organization of the Year for the 2018 TOPS St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Read more about IACKids on their website @ http://www.iackids.org
The annual IACKids “Open Your Hearts” gala will be held on March 3, 2018 at the Holiday Inn Downtown.