For the last six years, sisters Kali and Kayda Ernst have been raising money for area hospitals, including, Mercy Perry, and for the last two, their funds—totaling over $2,000 in 2023 and 2024–have exclusively benefited Mercy. On July 15, Chris Wibbenmeyer, Mercy Perry administrator, recognized the girls’ generosity. 

The idea came to them after Kali was given a babydoll–which she still has today–after hip surgery that really cheered her up. She and her sister decided they wanted to return the favor. They started out raising money through bake sales and selling Easter eggs to donate toys to children in area hospitals. They even donated gifts and money from their own birthday or Christmas gifts.