St. Louis, MO — April 17,2026 — On April 15, World Pediatrics hosted its annual Dove Society and Volunteer Appreciation Event, bringing together donors, volunteers, and partners to celebrate the collective impact of our community and honor those who make this work possible. The event served as an opportunity to proudly recognize TAWANI Foundation as the recipient of the 2026 Organizational Champion Award.
This award is presented to an organization whose steadfast partnership and generosity have played a critical role in advancing World Pediatrics’ mission to provide access to life-changing care and strengthen sustainable healthcare systems globally.
The partnership between World Pediatrics and TAWANI Foundation began in 2021 through a longstanding collaboration with OrthoPediatrics, a trusted partner of World Pediatrics since 2011. Through this connection, an introduction was made to TAWANI Foundation, laying the foundation for a relationship rooted in shared values and a commitment to improving children’s health outcomes. Since then, TAWANI Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of World Pediatrics’ orthopedic programs, helping deliver life-changing pediatric orthopedic surgical care for children in Latin America and the Caribbean who would otherwise go without treatment.
Founded by Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker (Retired), TAWANI Foundation is aimed at making a broader world of good—one that combines a deep respect for how far we’ve come with a steadfast optimism for how far we can go. As World Pediatrics reflects on 25 years of healing children around the world, this perspective underscores a partnership aligned in a vision that honors our progress and builds toward a stronger, more equitable future for children worldwide.
“We are truly honored to be recognized by World Pediatrics with the 2026 Organizational Champion Award,” said LTC Jennifer Pritzker USA (RET). “ At TAWANI Foundation, we believe in the power of partnership to create meaningful, lasting change. Supporting access to life-changing care for children is not only a responsibility, but a reflection of our shared vision for a healthier, more equitable world. We are proud to stand alongside World Pediatrics in advancing this important work.”
David Pelizzon, who serves on the boards of both TAWANI Foundation and OrthoPediatrics, accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation at the event.
Additional honorees recognized at the event included:
- Humanitarian Award: Charles Goldfarb, MD, recognized for extraordinary dedication to advancing medical care and improving the lives of children and families around the world.
- Jan Torrisi-Mokwa Leadership Award: Jennifer & Nathan McKean, recognized for leading with vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change for children and families.
- Jeff Bauer Emerging Leader Award: James Travis, recognized for exceptional commitment, passion, and leadership in support of the mission.
About World Pediatrics
World Pediatrics is a global organization dedicated to transforming access to advanced pediatric healthcare. Our mission is to heal more children, in less time, with greater impact by partnering with local communities, volunteers, and medical professionals to deliver, empower, and transform life-saving care where it’s needed most. With over 25 years of impact, World Pediatrics has provided critical medical care to more than 25,000 children and facilitated over $280 million in medical services. Based in Richmond, VA, and serving communities worldwide, World Pediatrics remains committed to creating a future where every child has access to the healthcare they deserve.
About TAWANI Foundation
Founded in 2002 by notable philanthropist and entrepreneur Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker (Retired), TAWANI Enterprises’ philanthropic organization, TAWANI Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBTQ+ and human rights, education, and environmental initiatives. TAWANI Foundation’s vision is to make a sustained and measurable difference for organizations that focus on enriching knowledge, improving health and wellness, and promoting scientific understanding – all with a common goal of making a positive, long-term impact on individuals, communities, and the culture itself. To learn more, visit https://tawanifoundation.org.