Student Entrepreneurs Launch Hope Heroes to Support Critically Ill Children

Giant balloon dogs are popping up across Northeast Ohio as part of Hope Heroes, a student-led campaign dedicated to brightening the spirits of hospitalized children.

Students from 10 local high schools, participating in the Excel TECC Marketing/Junior Achievement program at Beachwood High School, created Hope Heroes to harness the healing power of dogs for critically ill children. So far, they've raised over $200,000 to add facility dogs to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Children’s, as well as enhance volunteer therapy dog programs at Akron Children’s Hospital and MetroHealth.

"Hope Heroes makes a difference in the lives of critically ill children through facility and therapy dogs, whose unconditional love and presence bring light into the darkest times," says Kelsey Cohen, a Beachwood High School senior.

Students manage all aspects of the campaign, including budget planning, event organizing, sponsorship sales, and merchandise promotions. Their entrepreneurial efforts are only benefiting pediatric hospitals but also teaching invaluable life and business skills.

"Hope Heroes inspires me because it is truly the most creative way to make a difference in our very own community," says Gabe Guiler, a Beachwood High School senior and CEO of Hope Heroes. 

Chagrin Falls High School senior Will Asplin adds, "This class is like no other. Our collective dedication in the program allows us as teens to channel our creativity into initiatives that uplift those in need."

To bring the campaign mascot to life, students partnered with District Gallery in the Van Aken District and world-renowned artist Josh Mayhem, creator of the "Blown Away Balloon Dog," which is featured on all Hope Heroes branding and merchandise.

The oversized balloon dog inflatables first appeared in Beachwood on April 1 and will continue touring the region:

• April 11–21: Pinecrest, 200 Park Ave., Orange Village
• April 25–May 5: Crocker Park, 177 Market St., Westlake
• May 9–19: Legacy Village, 25001 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst
• May 23–June 2: Willoughby, 4232 River St.

Hope Heroes will culminate in a dedication ceremony at District Gallery, where students will present funds to each pediatric hospital and honor top sponsors with limited-edition balloon dog sculptures.

Greg Perry, Marketing/Junior Achievement teacher, emphasizes the project's impact: "The power of hope is immense. It not only aids children in need but also empowers our students with invaluable life skills."

Radha Pareek, vice president of corporate responsibility, says, "Hope Heroes embodies heroism by extending the feeling of being a hero through small acts of kindness that accumulate to transform life experiences."

For more information, merchandise, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.hopeheroesohio.com.