Beloved Orland Nonprofit Treasure Chest Foundation Gets New Leader

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation has named Dawn Leader-Peloso as its new Executive Director, positioning the organization for its next chapter of growth as it celebrates 30 years of bringing comfort and distraction to children and teens with cancer.

Peloso brings more than 25 years of nonprofit management experience, with expertise in leadership, fundraising, development, marketing, communications, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Marketing Manager at Indiana University Northwest and previously served as President of the Homewood Rotary Foundation.

As Executive Director, Peloso will lead the Foundation’s efforts to expand its reach, diversify revenue, and strengthen operational efficiency. The organization is also implementing its first comprehensive three-year strategic plan, which establishes clear priorities and action steps for strengthening the Foundation and increasing its impact.

The plan is already producing results. The Foundation expects to add four new hospital locations this year, with additional locations identified for future expansion.

The Foundation is also investing in technology and operational improvements to streamline distribution, reduce costs, and ensure that more donor dollars directly support programs for children and teens. Together, these initiatives are designed to help the organization serve more children while building a stronger and more sustainable future.

“We are very excited about the future of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation,” Peloso said. “I’m personally thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this organization at such an important time. I hope our supporters will join us—through financial support, donations, or by volunteering—as we work to bring the comfort and distraction of a Treasure Chest to even more children and teens with cancer.”

The Foundation will celebrate its 30-year history and look ahead to its future at the 14th Annual Treasuring Our Kids Gala on November 14. Tickets are now on sale at treasurechest.org, and community members are invited to join an evening honoring the children and families the Foundation serves while supporting its continued mission and growth.

About The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

With locations in over 55 hospitals across the country, the Treasure Chest Foundation's mission is to provide comfort and distraction from painful procedures to children and teens diagnosed with cancer by providing toys, gifts, and gift cards from a Treasure Chest. For more information, visit treasurechest.org.