After life-changing care at Dayton Children’s, Charles D. Berry honored with naming at groundbreaking for new center
Longtime Dayton family donates $5 million to help future generations of children thrive; challenges community to join the effort
Dayton Children’s Hospital broke ground on the Charles D. Berry Center for Developmental Therapies, celebrating a transformational $4 million gift from Dayton philanthropist and businessman Charles D. “Chuck” Berry and launching a community challenge to raise $2 million more for the project.
For Berry, the gift is deeply personal.
As a child, Berry received care at Dayton Children’s following a leg lengthening surgery. Through therapy and rehabilitation services, he gained strength and mobility, an experience that left a lasting impression and inspired his desire to help future generations of children receive the same opportunity.
“Dayton Children’s taught me how to walk again after my surgery,” said Berry. “I have never forgotten the care I received here or the difference it made in my life. This gift is my way of helping ensure that children and families continue to have access to the therapies and support they need to reach their fullest potential.”
The new Charles D. Berry Center for Developmental Therapies will be a two-story facility located at 433 Valley Street, adjacent to the Ronald McDonald House. Designed to meet growing demand for developmental services, the center will expand access to pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy while creating space for autism screening and mental health therapy for preschool age children.
In addition to his $4 million gift, Berry is challenging the community to join him in supporting the project by helping raise $2 million more for the project. As a surprise at the event, Chuck’s brother, John, donated $1 million, bringing the Berry family’s total contribution to the project to $5 million.
“Chuck’s generosity is rooted in gratitude, compassion and a deep belief in the potential of every child,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. “His personal story reflects the life-changing impact of pediatric therapies and his leadership gift will help thousands of children receive the support they need during the most important years of development.”
The Berry family has been a part of the Dayton community for generations, with a longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community improvement. Their support of Dayton Children’s represents an investment in the future health and well-being of children and families across the region.
“We are so thankful to Chuck and John Berry and the Charles D. Berry Foundation for their generous gift,” says Jena Pado, vice president and chief development officer. “Early identification and intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Because of Chuck’s generosity, more children will have access to expert care, earlier support and more opportunities to thrive.”
Demand for pediatric developmental therapies continues to grow, with the number of children receiving services at Dayton Children’s doubling over the past five years. Because of the donation from the Berry Family and Tom Golisano, the new center will make access for families easier, by including accessible surface parking, family-friendly spaces and therapy environments designed to support children with sensory needs. The center will open for patients in spring 2028.
About pediatric developmental therapies at Dayton Children’s:
- Physical therapy focuses on improving gross motor skills, strength, balance and coordination associated with movement disorders, developmental delays and injuries.
- Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing and emotional regulation to help children function independently in daily life, including play, learning and self-care.
- Speech therapy supports speech, language, social communication, feeding and swallowing to improve communication and quality of life for children.
- Autism screening focuses on the early identification of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental concerns to help children access support and services as early as possible.
- Mental health therapy for preschool-age children focuses on emotional, behavioral and social development, helping young children and their families navigate challenges and build skills that support healthy growth and well-being.
Video played at the event highlighting Chuck Berry’s experience with Dayton Children’s:
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