East Tennessee – Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital announced today that it will receive a 2026 grant from the First Horizon Foundation. The funding is earmarked for the hospital’s Emergency Department, the annual Fantasy of Trees holiday event, and the Gala Among the Trees fundraiser. The grant reinforces the hospital’s mission to provide high‑quality, compassionate care to children from birth through age twenty‑one.
Emergency Department receives vital support
According to Adam Cook, Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer at the hospital, the grant will help expand and modernize the Emergency Department, ensuring that children with injuries or urgent illnesses receive specialized pediatric treatment without delay. “Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital is grateful for the generous support of First Horizon Foundation, which will make a meaningful difference for patients and families,” Cook said. “Their commitment to our healthcare system and fundraising events helps ensure we can continue to provide compassionate, high‑quality care when families need it most.”
Fantasy of Trees and Gala Among the Trees continue to thrive
Fantasy of Trees, a beloved holiday tradition in the region, brings together decorated trees, festive activities, volunteers, and community supporters to raise money for pediatric care. This year’s grant will fund the expansion of the hospital’s gastroenterology department, a specialty that has seen growing demand in the community. The Gala Among the Trees, another key fundraising event, will also benefit from the foundation’s investment, helping sustain the hospital’s ability to serve more than 130,000 patients annually.
First Horizon Foundation’s commitment to the region
Emily Scheuneman, First Horizon Foundation Coordinator, highlighted the broader impact of the grant: “First Horizon Foundation is proud to invest in Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital because its impact reaches every corner of East Tennessee. Our support for the Emergency Department and for beloved traditions like Fantasy of Trees means children have access to specialized care the moment they need it. Through the hospital’s care and community investment, all East Tennesseans benefit from the health of our children and families.”
About the First Horizon Foundation
Founded in 1993, the First Horizon Foundation is the charitable arm of First Horizon National Corporation. To date, it has donated more than $200 million to address community needs across a range of impact areas, including health and human services, arts and culture, education and leadership, environment, and financial literacy. More information about the foundation’s work can be found at www.firsthorizonfoundation.com.
Why this matters for East Tennessee families
The grant underscores the importance of private philanthropy in sustaining critical health services for children. By bolstering emergency care and supporting community‑driven fundraising traditions, the partnership between Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital and the First Horizon Foundation helps ensure that families across the region have reliable access to pediatric health care, from routine needs to urgent medical situations.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
