Spencer is using musical talents to benefit a cause close to his heart - Katharine's Wish
Leader Telegram (July 26, 2020)

Charity show organized by local student raise money for Katharine's Wish
Leader Telegram (September 13, 2017)

Stuffed Animals Inspire Teen's Nationwide Charity
VolumeOne (May 9, 2017)

Katharine was featured on Jeff Rogers' Human Health Report, a series Reporting on the health of humans.
Human Health Report (September 5, 2016)

Katharine was awarded the Youth Good Samaritan award by the American Red Cross - Northwest Wisconsin Chapter
Youth Good Samaritan award (March 23, 2016)

Katharine was featured on WCCO-TV's "Life to the Max", a show that highlights stories of perseverance, tenacity and winning attitudes.
Life to the Max (April 28, 2014)

Katie was in the top 30 out of 100 national athletes selected to compete for the "Most Inspirational Athlete".
USA Today's "Most Inspirational Athlete" (March 24, 2014)

Katharine's Wish 2014 toy donation of over 2,100 items to hosiptals and clinics in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
WEAU (February 17, 2014)

The Minnesota Twins in partnership with Mayo Clinic Health systems recognized Katie and her charity Katharine's Wish by asking her to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a home game.
Business Wire (June 18, 2013)

Katharine was one of five national finalists to be recongnized by Montage Hotels in their Memory Maker Contest for their humanitarian efforts.
Business Wire (May 1, 2013)

Eau Claire girl among national finalists for $10,000 college scholarship.
Leader Telegram (April 28, 2013)

Katharine and her brother Spencer met with Monsignor Edmund Klimek at Sacred Heart Hospital while delivering 250 toys.
The Catholic Times (February 21, 2013)

2013 marked the first ever toy donations to both St. Joseph's Hospital and Marshfield Clinic in Chippewa Falls with nearly 700 toys donated.
The Chippewa Herald (February 3, 2013)

Katharine was interviewed on the WQOW morning news about the start of her 2013 toy drive.
WQOW (January 7, 2013)

Katharine was interviewed for a feature article on www.everydayhealth.com on how she doesn't let type I diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis hold her back from her passion of dancing.
Everyday Health (November 27, 2012)

Katharine was the recipient of the 2012 "Youth Philanthropist of the Year" award from the Chippewa Valley Fund Raising Professionals for her work with Katharine's Wish and was honored at a luncheon on 11.8.12.
WQOW-TV 18 (November 8, 2012)

Local teen honored with Jefferson Award for community service.
WQOW-TV 18 (September 24, 2012)

Local teen with type 1 diabetes establishes fund to help children receiving medical care
WQOW-TV 18 (September 3, 2012)

Girl with chronic illness continues helping other kids in the hospital by providing comfort and smiles.
Leader Telegram (August 30, 2012)

Congratulations on your remarkable success with this year's Katie Kares effort! Our heartfelt appreciation to you, your family, and everyone who helped donate all those wonderful toys for us to share with kids being cared for at Marshfield Clinic.
Marshfield Clinic (January 2012)

Kohl’s Department Stores says it has awarded a scholarship to an Eau Claire girl.

Through the 2010 Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, 11-year-old Katharine Rhoten won the $1,000 scholarship. The money will be used for post-secondary education. The program awards 200 deserving volunteers. Kohl's says Rhoten stood out among more than 27,000 nominees nationwide for helping to make her community a better place by collecting more than 400 toys for hospitalized children and helping raise awareness and funding for diabetes research.
WEAU (July 2010)

Katie Rhoten was only 9 years old when she became critically ill and was rushed to the hospital during her family's dream vacation to Disney World in January 2008. Diagnosed with type I diabetes, the Eau Claire girl often was given a toy by hospital staff to ease some of her anxiety before receiving an injection of insulin.

Katie never forgot the kindness of the medical staff or the impact of the gifts during her hospital stay, so on the first anniversary of her Jan. 23 diagnosis, Katie donated six boxes of toys, games and other fun items to Luther Midelfort to be distributed to children and their siblings who found themselves at the hospital.
Families First Newspaper (January 2010)

"When I got Rufus (the stuffed bear with diabetes) and some other toys, I just knew I wanted to give back."
Leader-Telegram (January 2009)