Thanks to our donors, three tables were set up for costumes: one with all different types of glittery tiaras, one with superhero capes and matching masks, and one with gorgeous yarn wigs generously donated by The Magic Yarn Project. One large table was set up with assorted Valentine’s Day crafts and another had princess makeup kits and nail polish sets.
The PA Chapter enjoyed its return visit to CHOP to participate during their annual Radio Thon Event. The past two years the event was held in the month of December. The hospital imposes strict visitor restrictions during the winter months because of flu season, so we were not allowed to bring in outside items.
We arrived to the main atrium and Ryan Seacrest Foundation Center already set up with craft tables, glitter tattoos, face painting and caricature drawing stations. With the visitor restrictions in place, a local private school donated the crafts again this year for our tables. We decorated crowns and made winter themed photo frames with the children. We also had the children color ‘thank you’ cards for the sponsors.
This year the children were able to interact with a therapy dog. He came to visit right after the magic show. It was a very festive afternoon for the final day of RadioThon. The line was very long for the caricature drawings. That is always a popular station with the children and parents.
Overall, we saw 12 girls and 8 boys.
We are currently awaiting dates to be added to the child life activity calendar once visitor restrictions are lifted.
After all of the children that were able to participate were there, our surprise guests turned on the music and the dancing began! The Funkywunks, a hip hop dance group from Orlando (known for their time on World of Dance) took the floor and showed us some moves! They were joined by a very outgoing sibling who showed us some moves of his own! Everyone watched, dancing in their seats and singing to the music!
The music, Santa, titleholders and other stations really created one of the most peaceful environments we’ve ever been in. Our volunteers and special guests all felt blessed and joyful after the event. The pictures tell a lot of the story. We look forward to this event every year, and even more so now that we’ve got Santa in our back pocket!
