Jr. Hero Squad Did It Again
This is what community looks like: kids with big hearts, creative ideas, and a passion for helping other kids. The 2026 Jr. Hero Squad smashed their fundraising goal, raising over $12,000 for local childhood cancer heroes. (That is one month’s worth of $100 gift cards for hero families to help with gas or groceries!)
These amazing kids organized fundraisers all over Central Virginia. Skylar made and sold 3D printed holiday ornaments. Banks had a special screening of one of his favorite movies. Hal and Langley had a scooter/bike race and The Sandlot Crew had an epic football game. Lots of lemonade stands, bake sales, and crafting with the purpose of raising money for childhood cancer heroes.
We honored the Jr. Hero Squad at our ice cream party at Gelati Celesti. Kids received free ice cream and a sweet trophy. The real winners are the childhood cancer heroes who can continue to receive financial and emotional support because of the Jr. Hero Squad.
2026 Jr. Hero Squad
Ava • Adelaide • Banks • Fiona & James • Finn, Lily, and Zayden • Hal & Langley • Hinnant Family • John & Ben • Lincoln • Orchard House Crew • Ruby • Sandlot Crew • Skylar
Ice Cream Party With Hero Families
We celebrated the Jr. Hero Squad at our annual Gelati Spirit Night. Joining them were Hero families. Everyone enjoyed free ice cream thanks to the generosity of Connor’s Heroes donors.
Coming Up Next: The Hero Squad
The Jr. Hero Squad aren’t the only ones inspired to help local kids with cancer. The Hero Squad is next! The Hero Squad is a special group of people across Central Virginia who are passionate about their community and can inspire others to help children fight cancer. Each Hero Squad member or team is challenged to raise $1,000 during September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you rally your workplace, host a fundraiser, engage friends and family, or share our mission with your network, every action counts. We will celebrate the Hero Squad at an exclusive party at ZZQ on Thursday, October 1. Join this year’s Hero Squad yourself or nominate a friend, colleague, or community leader. Fill out this form and Amanda, Development Director, will be in touch!