small wonders--spring 2012
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A PublicAtion For the Donors oF chilDren’s heAlthcAre oF AtlAntA
smallwonders®
spring 2012
2experience one teen’s recovery after a stroke
6Give to children’s; it can be a family affair
12Meet brett lee, one of our clinical leaders
Fundraising. Engagement. Awareness. The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation
reaches out to our community to increase involvement on these three fronts. By all accounts,
each of these areas saw great success in 2011. We have you, our donors, to thank.
First, regarding fundraising, Children’s has much to celebrate. Overall fundraising increased
despite the still challenging economy. As an example, in collaboration with Emory University
School of Medicine, we successfully completed a $19 million capital campaign to fully fund
the new Health Sciences Research Building on the Emory campus. Currently under construction,
more than half of the new 200,000-square-foot facility will focus on pediatric research,
including investigations in cancer and drug discovery. We look forward to opening this new
facility in spring 2013.
In terms of engagement, through our Strong4Life campaign, Children’s took a lead role in
tackling the childhood obesity epidemic in our state. The initial hard-hitting ad campaign has
been like nothing we’ve ever done before, and the response thus far has been overwhelmingly
positive. As the journey continues in 2012, we hope you will stand with us as a positive voice
for child wellness.
Finally, awareness. We ended the year on a high note, thanks to the incredible response to the
Share the Hope year-end campaign (see Page 8). For the first time, we launched a multimedia
endeavor, including a compelling day-in-the-life video of Children’s, to share our patients’
experiences and to raise awareness of our organization’s needs. We collected thousands of
messages for our patients hospitalized during the holidays and raised significant funds.
Children’s is only as strong as the generous people like you who support us so passionately.
For all you did to make 2011 a remarkable year, thank you. I hope you take a moment to
celebrate the role you played in all Children’s has accomplished.
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Holder
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation
Leading by example
Claire L. Arnold
Kathy T. Betty
Robert W. Bruce Jr., M.D.
Robert M. Campbell, M.D.
James A. Carlos
Dean H. Eisner
Rev. Dr. Darrell D. Elligan
Molly Fletcher
R. Brad Foster
Tom Giddens
Jonathan D. Goldman
Donna W. Hyland
Mary Ellen Imlay
Mark Kauffman
Mary Jo Kirchner
Scott MacLellan
Richard J. McKay
William C. Pate
Beatriz Perez
Nancy E. Rafuse
Margaret Conant Reiser
Christy Roberts
Lovette Russell
John L. Simms II
Scott Slade
Thomas M. Holder, Chairman
Douglas K. garges, Vice Chairman
Charles H. Ogburn, Vice Chairman
Eugene A. Hayes iii, president
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Foundation Board of Trustees
Contents
2
6
12
Forever ChangedJulia Jevince had to relearn how to perform everyday tasks others may take for granted. Read about her extraordinary courage, which had a great effect on those around her.
Questions & Answers Brett Lee, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, talks about the exciting initiatives happening at Children’s and how your support is making a difference.
A mother’s greatest wishThe Jones family increased their commitment to Children’s after their daughter inspired them.
As a recipient of Small Wonders,
you can also receive our quarterly e-newsletter.
Visit www.giving.choa.org to sign up.
As a not-for-profit organization, Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta pledges to direct the
greatest portion of community gifts to serving
patients and their families. To that end, we
produced this report in-house, using the most
cost-efficient paper and printing techniques.
This book is printed on paper containing a
minimum of 10 percent post-consumer waste and
is manufactured in an environmentally friendly
manner. We encourage you to recycle this
magazine or pass it along to friends so they can
learn about Children’s.
www.choa.org/give
highlights & happeningsamong friendsmark your calendar
Spring 2012 | 1
If you would like to receive
Small Wonders electronically and save us
related printing and postage costs, visit
www.choa.org/smallwonders.
HELp sAVE Us MOnEY
Connect with us
81417
2 | smallwonders
shopping with friends. Texting about boys. giggling about the latest gossip.
Typical hobbies for a typical teenage girl.
But Julia Jevince is far from typical. While her friends were getting their learner’s permits, taking finals and planning slumber parties, Julia was learning to walk again. Teaching her body how to use its left side.
relearning to swallow. And along the way, discovering the strength and courage within her that left her and her family ...
Julia Jevince rides a therapy bike with assistance from Levi Robinson, an aide in the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.
Spring 2012 | 3
Julia’s journey began Dec. 22, 2010.
The Christmas lights were hung. The chilly air
brought the anticipation of a holiday spent with
friends and family. But that morning, Julia woke up
with a debilitating headache. When she became
lethargic and unable to move, her parents, Dana
and Michael, knew something was terribly wrong.
They called the paramedics.
“As they were taking Julia, the driver asked me
where I wanted them to take her. I asked him
where he would take his daughter,” Dana said.
“He immediately said, ‘Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta.’ So that’s where we told him to take her.”
ChangedForever
Elizabeth, Michael, Dana and Julia Jevince
At Children’s, doctors discovered a bleed in then 15-year-old Julia’s
brain. She was rushed into surgery, where doctors inserted a drain.
After surgery, she spent two weeks in an induced coma in the Pediatric
Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to allow her brain time to heal.
Julia suffered a hemorrhagic stroke as a result of the bleeding in her brain.
She lost vision in her left eye and mobility on her left side.
“Here is this young girl who loved dancing and music. She was always
on the go. And she was faced with relearning how to walk, how to
swallow—everything,” Dana said.
Julia was transferred from the PICU to the Comprehensive Inpatient
Rehabilitation Unit (CIRU), where doctors, nurses and therapists worked
with Julia to restore her functions.
“They took her from existing to living. The therapists, nurses and physiatrists
in the CIRU taught Julia how to overcome her deficits—to push forward
and set goals,” Dana said. “Julia gained so much knowledge and
encouragement from everyone involved in her recovery.”
Every day, Julia would determinedly work toward her goals—a far cry
from the carefree teenager she had been. Physical therapy, occupational
therapy, speech therapy. Painstaking. Sometimes frustrating. There were
days she didn’t want to get out of bed.
“Even those days where she was miserable, someone would come in and
make her smile and encourage her,” Dana said. “She really connected
with everyone in the CIRU. Julia was so brave and taught us all so much.”
Julia remembers well the days that everything seemed too overwhelming
and credits her caregivers in the CIRU with motivating her.
“Even on those days, they’d remind me of the little things I would be able
to do soon,” she said. “They always had something nice to say. They got
it. They understood me.”
4 | smallwonders
taking the first stepsFacing challenges;
Visit www.choa.org/smallwonders for exclusive
online content about rehab, including:
– A slideshow with Julia Jevince and her family
– Ways we help injured children regain confidence in their
daily abilities
– An interview with a Children’s physiatrist, who explains his crucial
role in getting kids back to their lives after devastating injuries
Julia works with Staci Rosing, an occupational therapist at Children’s.
Spring 2012 | 5
Julia spent four weeks in the CIRU and then transferred to the Day
Rehabilitation Program. But just a week into her therapy, she was dealt
a devastating blow when she suffered another brain bleed. She was
transferred back to the PICU where she stayed for a week. Luckily, the
setbacks were minor, and she was soon able to continue her therapy at
day rehab. The program is structured like a regular school day, treating
patients from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.
“Day rehab was much harder for me. It was just really intense. But I
knew I was making progress, and that kept me going,” Julia said.
Dana said she saw small daily improvements in her daughter’s abilities
and bigger changes weekly.
“Day rehab was the key to preparing Julia for real life outside of the
hospital,” she said. “She was given weekly goals by her therapists and
nurses. She went on scheduled outings that were geared to daily living
experiences, like the mall and restaurants. These outings helped build
Julia’s confidence to be as independent as possible.”
Julia spent eight weeks in day rehab. Today, she continues her
outpatient therapy at Children’s and is getting stronger every day.
Last December, the Jevinces received answers about what was causing
Julia’s brain bleeds. The blood in her brain initially made it nearly
impossible to clearly read her scans. Once the blood dissipated, a
spot was discovered on the teen’s brain. Doctors at Children’s closely
monitored it, and when it grew slightly, they performed a biopsy and
diagnosed her with an astrocytoma—a type of malignant brain tumor.
Julia’s prognosis is good, though she will spend the next several
months undergoing chemotherapy in the Aflac Cancer Center and
Blood Disorders Service of Children’s. One more hurdle for this brave
teenager to overcome.
Julia’s experience at Children’s has changed her forever. No longer
are shopping, makeup and boys her motivation. Her greatest wish is
to become a nurse and work in the CIRU.
“Being at Children’s—especially in the CIRU—made me a different
person. Everyone who works there, caring for kids is their life. They
weren’t just nurses and therapists—they became my friends,” Julia said.
“I want to make a difference like that.”
Her mother has also seen a new Julia, and said her daughter’s
bravery has changed her family, including her husband and Julia’s twin
sister, Elizabeth.
“Julia is like a flower. She was a bud before this, but she just blossomed
through this whole process. She has evolved into such a caring, loving
person, and she’s shown courage I never dreamed she had,” Dana
said. “She’s made so many connections. She’s a different person.”
Dana is also grateful for the care she and her family received
at Children’s.
“We just felt like we were at home. Everyone there cared as much
about Julia as we did, it seemed,” she said. “I can’t imagine us being
treated anywhere else.”
growing strongerFighting back;
Children’s pediatric rehabilitation services
Children’s offers rehabilitation services to patients with diverse conditions
at two hospitals and nine neighborhood locations. Our Comprehensive
Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (CIRU) is the largest pediatric inpatient rehab
facility in the country. Patients include those with traumatic brain and spinal
cord injuries, neurological diseases and other childhood impairments
resulting from accidents, illnesses, injuries and other conditions.
Our rehab programs offer a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services
to assist patients and their families throughout their recovery. Staff involves
the whole family in the rehabilitation process to help heal the physical and
emotional needs of each child.
Visit www.choa.org/rehab to learn more.
planning the futureOvercoming odds;
Having supported Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta by attending fundraising events since 1995,
Andrea and Boland Jones were aware of the great needs of our not-for-profit organization. But when
their daughter, Ansley, expressed a desire to get involved, she inspired the entire family to take their
commitment to a new level.
For the past several years, Andrea has supported Children’s by attending the annual Spring Fashion
Show, purchasing a table and bidding on live and silent auction items. Last August, Ansley, a high
school senior, told her mother she wanted to do something for the patients and families of Children’s.
“I’m a breast cancer survivor and I think Ansley is just really grateful to have her mom here and healthy,
and she wanted to give back to the cancer community,” Andrea said.
Andrea and Ansley organized a party at The Zone, a donor-funded play area for patients at
Children’s at Scottish Rite. The mom-and-daughter team served pizza, and Ansley brought art and
school supplies to draw and paint with the patients.
“We had the best time,” Andrea said. “But what really struck me was an overwhelming feeling of
gratitude. I have three children and nothing could be more important than their health and happiness.
We had the opportunity to spend time with these children away from their hospital rooms and do
something fun with them.”
Every day, our donors make a
difference in the life of a child.
Visit www.choa.org/give
for more information about
the individuals, corporations
and organizations that
support Children’s.
6 | smallwonders
A mother’s greatest wish
Clockwise from top left are the Joneses: Bo, Andrea, Boland, Braden and Ansley
Phot
o by
Par
ish K
ohan
im
Andrea was especially moved by the experience, and when the holidays approached, she told her
family there was only one gift she wanted.
“I told them I didn’t need or want anything for Christmas, but that if they made a donation to
Children’s, we could help children who need it,” she said.
So this past December, the Joneses made a $10,000 donation to Children’s, supporting the
new Health Sciences Research Building, which is under construction. The building will house
investigations in cancer, immunology and drug discovery by researchers from Children’s and Emory
University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology. Boland said he hopes their
donation will ensure healthier futures and inspire a spirit of giving in those it helps.
“Andrea and I strongly believe in using our blessings to help protect vulnerable children, and to
provide research to cure certain diseases so children have every chance to live more comfortable
and productive lives,” he said. “Hopefully these children will grow up to potentially provide the
same for other children in the future.”
The gift also made the Joneses members of Children’s Circle of Care. This international society of
philanthropists supports 25 leading pediatric hospitals across North America, including Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta, with a gift of $10,000 or more in a calendar year. In 2011, we had
433 members.
Andrea said that supporting Children’s is an important part of giving back.
“We do give to other organizations, but giving to help sick and injured children is an easy sell. It just
makes sense,” she said. “We are glad to make some sort of difference, but it’s nothing compared to
what these families have to go through every day.”
Andrea also is proud that Ansley inspired her family and hopes that the philanthropic spirit will
continue in her sons, Bo, 15, and Braden, 12.
“I’d like to see my children get excited about this—not only giving but being proactive in helping
kids who are not as fortunate as they are,” she said. “That is my greatest wish.”
Spring 2012 | 7
“I’d like to see my children get excited about this—not only giving but being proactive in helping kids who are not as fortunate as they are,” she said. “That is my greatest wish.” — Andrea Jones
show your support
Annual donations to Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta support our hospitals’ greatest needs—
from programs and services to equipment—
and help us deliver quality patient care for
today’s children and future generations.
Circle of Vision
$1 million and greater
Circle of Discovery
$500,000 to $999,999.99
Circle of Strength
$100,000 to $499,999.99
Circle of Courage
$50,000 to $99,999.99
Circle of Promise
$25,000 to $49,999.99
Circle of Imagination
$10,000 to $24,999.99
Dream Society
$5,000 to $9,999.99
Inspiration Society
$2,500 to $4,999.99
Compassion Society
$1,000 to $2,499.99
Ansley Jones and 13-year-old Aflac Cancer Center patient Savion Finney at The Zone
8 | smallwonders
CUrE Childhood Cancer supports Aflac Cancer Center
Dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through targeted research funding and support
of patients and their families, CURE Childhood Cancer is an important member of the Aflac
Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family.
The organization donated $1.2 million for childhood cancer research in 2011 and
continuously provides family emergency funds to support patient families in financial crisis.
CURE is also committed to the future of childhood cancer treatment, funding two Aflac
Cancer Center fellows.
Volunteers from CURE are often seen throughout the Aflac Cancer Center, bringing meals
to patient families. The organization also provided dinners last Thanksgiving and Christmas
and donated holiday gifts for families of children with cancer.
Visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org
for more information.
&happeningshighlights
Community shares hope with patients
During the holidays, patients and families at Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta received an outpouring of support through the Share the Hope
Campaign. Using social and traditional media to gather messages from
well-wishers, Children’s received more than 7,000 messages of support
for patients that were broadcast through the TVs in the hospital rooms.
The campaign also raised more than $100,000 for Children’s, not
including $25,000 from the Verizon Foundation, which donated $1
for every view of the Share the Hope video.
Visit www.choa.org/share to see what our patients had to say
about your support.
Blinking study measures toddler engagement
Researchers have discovered a new way to measure how engaged
children with autism are in what they are watching by measuring when
they blink and when they do not.
Ami Klin, Ph.D., Director of Marcus Autism Center, Warren Jones, Ph.D.,
Director of Research at Marcus Autism Center, and Sarah Shultz, a
graduate student in the Psychology Department at Yale University,
conducted the study with 93 2-year-olds. Children with autism tend to
focus on moving objects, rather than people’s faces or body language.
This study moves beyond what children are watching to how much
children care about what they are seeing.
“For a 2-year-old with language delays, or even an 8- or 10-year-old
who struggles to communicate, this kind of measure can tell us about
that child’s experience and, with that information, hopefully improve our
efforts to help that child learn,” Shultz said.
Telemedicine allows for specialty treatment in remote areas
As technology expands, so does the potential for early treatment for those without
access to specialty services. Recently, Cyrus Samai, M.D., Director of the Fetal
Cardiology Program, conducted the first fetal cardiology telemedicine visit for
Sibley Heart Center Cardiology.
Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of death within an infant’s
first year of life. And more than 800,000 Georgians do not have access to a
pediatrician in their county, making the chances of finding a fetal cardiologist
in some areas virtually nonexistent. An easy-to-use service, telemedicine offers
patients and their physicians remote consultations and evaluations using live
video. This technology allows patients to be seen more quickly by the appropriate specialists.
“We have the ability to evaluate a wide spectrum of cardiac diseases,” Dr. Samai said.
“If we believe the child will be in danger prenatally, we can make sure the mother is evaluated in Atlanta,
where we have a comprehensive team of consultants.”
Children’s remains among transplant leaders
In 2011, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta performed 70 solid organ
transplants, including 19 liver, 17 heart and 34 kidney transplants. This is
the second largest number of solid organ transplants since the inception
of the program in 1980.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), these
numbers place the Children’s Transplant Program among the top five in
overall pediatric transplant programs in the country in regards to volumes.
Additionally, the Kidney Transplant Program is projected to rank first in the
country for pediatric kidney transplant volumes.
Visit www.choa.org/transplant to learn more.
Spring 2012 | 9
runners pound the pavement for Children’s
In November, more than 3,500 runners attended the 27th annual Kids II Strong Legs
Run at Turner Field. The run took participants through downtown Atlanta in 2K, 5K and
10K courses.
Supporters were treated to a morning of fun as the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
mascots, Hope and Will, cheered racers as they crossed the finish line. Mascots from
schools, universities, companies and many of Atlanta’s professional sports teams also
joined children in a Mascot Trot in front of Turner Field.
Join us for the 2012 Kids II Strong Legs Run Saturday, Nov. 3, at Turner Field.
&
10 | smallwonders
Donors make a splash for children
The seventh annual The Big Splash benefiting Marcus Autism Center was Saturday, March 24, at
Georgia Aquarium. Guests celebrated excitement and an evening of chance in our casino—Great
Gatsby style. Attendees joined Co-chairs Kristy and Michael Robison for culinary delights from
Wolfgang Puck and live entertainment from Limelight’s nine-piece ensemble. The black-tie optional
gala honored Helen and Jimmy Carlos for their many years of dedication to Marcus Autism Center.
happeningshighlights
Community strives to fund transport vehicle for northern counties
Children who are sick and injured in Forsyth and surrounding counties may soon have
a dedicated transport vehicle and team to serve their needs, thanks to an outpouring
of community support. In May 2011, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta opened its
northernmost location in Forsyth County, providing outpatient and specialty services to
young patients.
Residents of Forsyth and beyond are rallying to create the Children’s Healthcare of
Forsyth Ambulance Fund to support a dedicated transport vehicle and team to serve as a
mobile intensive care unit for children in the area.
Supporters include the Bagwell Family Foundation and American Proteins, which made a $360,000 gift, as well as Hansgrohe, Tam’s Backstage
Restaurant, Automation Direct, Norman’s Landing, Sawnee Woman’s Club, and Forsyth and Milton Friends. Students at Cumming Elementary School
also raised $1,688.42 to support the fund.
Funding is still needed. Visit www.choa.org/forsyth to learn more about donating.
Baseball player collects bears for patients
In an effort to bring holiday cheer to patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes
Spalding, Houston Astro and Georgia native Delino DeShields Jr. hosted the Share the
Love Teddy Bear Drive in December. The party brought together former major league
baseball players, including DeShields’ father, Delino DeShields Sr., who spent 13 years in
the major leagues. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere while collecting stuffed animals for
patients who were unable to leave the hospital for the holidays.
Delino DeShields Jr. with a patient
Spring 2012 | 11
get sneak peek of designer collection
Saks Fifth Avenue and the St. Regis Atlanta will host the fifth annual Atlanta
Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show Monday, May 7, to benefit Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the runway show
of Etro’s Fall 2012 collection. In addition, the luncheon will honor several
Women of Style and Substance. These women have been selected for their
commitment to serving the community with style and grace. The chairs of this
year’s event are Ginny Brewer, Elizabeth Klump, Harrison Rohr and Danielle
Rollins. Exclusive runway tables of 10 can be purchased for $5,000 at the
Runway Level, and at the Premium Patron Level for $3,500. Other tables are
available for $2,000. Contact Kate Myers at kate.myers@choa.org or visit
www.choa.org/fashionshow for more information.
Floats, bands and santa bring parade to life
The 31st annual Children’s Christmas Parade celebrated another year of tradition as more than
200,000 excited participants watched the award-winning bands, floats, specialty units and Santa and
Mrs. Claus make their way down Peachtree Street in December. Highlights from the parade included
an opening flash mob dance, which included more than 150 dancers from the parade and crowd, as
well as the Distinguished Clowns, sponsored by Ringling Bros., and several new units sponsored by
Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Wilson Parker Homes and Foresters. Viewers who were not able to join
the fun downtown tuned in to watch the parade during its live broadcast from WSB-TV.
new radiothon will help children with autism
Tune in to 104.7 The Fish for our inaugural Fish Radiothon benefiting Marcus Autism Center from
6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. Listeners will learn more about our programs and services and
the many families we serve. We are excited for the much-needed funds and awareness this event will
bring. Contact Jeanne Hastings at jeanne.hastings@choa.org or 404-785-9402 for more information
and volunteer opportunities.
Visit www.thefishatlanta.com for more information.
Models walk the runway in Ralph Lauren’s Fall Collection at the 2011 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show.
In August, Brett Lee joined Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations.
Before moving to Atlanta, Lee built an impressive career in
pediatric healthcare administration, from Cook Children’s
Hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth to Dallas Children’s Medical
Center and, most recently, Riley Children’s Hospital in
Indianapolis. Prior to his administrative career, Lee worked
as a trained physical therapist with both adults and children,
giving him a unique perspective on patient care.
12 | smallwonders
&AnswersQuestions
Spring 2012 | 13
What do you find most exciting about Children’s?
I’ve spent my entire administrative career in children’s hospitals during
the past 10 years, and each of those hospitals has its own unique culture
and its own unique people. But what I’m really excited about here at
Children’s is just how bright and engaged the medical staff is. Everyone
really understands the direction of the organization; everyone is excited
about where we’re headed. We’re now serving nine out of 10 kids
in metro Atlanta and four out of 10 in the entire state from an inpatient
standpoint. For the next several years, we’re going to focus on continuing
to grow our outpatient footprint to serve even more children. It’s a really
exciting time and I think all of that growth—all that change—coupled with
the wonderful staff have really made me excited about being a part
of Children’s.
From the perspective of both a physical therapist and a healthcare leader, why is it so important that children be treated in a pediatric facility?
I was a clinician on the adult side before I began working with children.
I think for teenagers and kids, being in a pediatric facility is just such a
warm and welcoming environment. We have clinicians who focus only
on the care of pediatric patients and understand the unique diseases and
recovery needs of children. We also have facilities that are set up solely
for the care of children. We have clinicians and caregivers who aren’t
typical in adult facilities, like child life specialists, who strive to make the
hospital experience as comfortable as possible for kids and their siblings.
I think all of those are tangible examples of how these patients have a
different experience in a pediatric facility on a day-to-day basis.
is there anything specific that makes Children’s unique when it comes to treating young patients?
For example, when a child has an X-ray or a CT scan, we have software
in our CT scanner that reduces the amount of radiation these children
get. We’ve done some comparisons and it’s about half the dose they’re
getting at adult facilities. And those levels of radiation have been linked
to secondary cancers later. So it’s very important you come to a place
that cares about children—that has special equipment, facilities and
clinicians who can provide a unique and beneficial experience.
How do you see donor funding making a difference at Children’s?
One of the most important examples is that we never turn down a child
based on the family’s ability to pay because we have those donor funds.
And there are several key examples where we’ve used donor funds to
help with our large clinical programs and to purchase technology that
wouldn’t be possible without donor support. Probably the most tangible
examples of our needs are Marcus Autism Center and Children’s at
Hughes Spalding, which delivers both outpatient and inpatient care to an
underserved population of children who need us. Without donor funding
this care would not be feasible.
Become a Friend With Benefits
In 2012, your support of Friends can benefit Children’s—and you.
For $30, you can purchase the Friends…With Benefits Card and
use it for discounts at your favorite merchants, including Menchie’s
Frozen Yogurt, Hammond Nails and Spa, Swoozies and Just the Thing.
Visit www.choa.org/friendscard to purchase the card or find a
list of merchants. New merchants will be added throughout the year.
14 | smallwonders
Hope and Will Ball is an annual hit
More than 700 guests gathered to celebrate the ninth annual Hope and Will Ball in
February at The St. Regis Atlanta. The sellout event, which raises approximately $800,000
annually, honored Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. Rogers Jr., for their commitment to Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta. A Trustee of Children’s since its inception in 1998, Joe Rogers
assumed the role of Chairman of the Board in 2003, serving through 2007. His wife, Fran,
also lent her time and talents by serving on the Board from 2002 to 2009. Guests were
moved as Britney and Steve Karasick shared their son Brent’s journey through the Aflac
Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s and his triumphant battle with
leukemia. At one of the largest fundraising events for Children’s, guests enjoyed silent and
live auctions, dinner and dancing the night away to Big Blast and the Party Masters. As the
ballroom for the evening was transformed using beautiful floral décor, guests were reminded
that Children’s—through donor support—transforms the lives of patients every day.
guests get a Taste of Dunwoody for Children’s
In February, the ninth annual Taste of Dunwoody raised more than
$50,000 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through corporate
sponsorship, a silent auction and guests who enjoyed food from 25
local restaurants. Attendees also enjoyed dancing to the groovy
sounds of Yacht Rock Revue, a well-known 1970s cover band that
performed live at the event. Dunwoody Friends Chair Jill Wirka, who
led the event with Co-chair Maryanne Burkholder, described Taste of
Dunwoody as a staple event in the Dunwoody community.
“Individuals in the Dunwoody community really love what the Taste of
Dunwoody is all about—food, fundraising and fun,” Wirka said.
among friends
Steve, Brent and Britney Karasick
generous generation encourages young philanthropy
Through the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Generous Generation Program, kids are
encouraged to participate in various fundraising activities to learn the importance of
giving back. Capitalizing on the fun and competitive atmosphere of recreational youth
leagues, kids help raise money for Children’s through a coin collection contest, Coins for
Clowns. This spring, athletes of Northside Atlanta Youth Organization (NYO) baseball
and softball and Atlanta Youth Lacrosse (AYL) welcome the players of Tophat Soccer
Club as new participants to the annual coin collection day. Funds raised will support the
Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit, which delivers giggles and grins to patient families
at Children’s.
During April, kids are encouraged to organize fundraising activities including bake sales,
fun runs, lemonade stands and car washes. In 2011, Generous Generation events raised
$17,000, proving no one is ever too young to start making a difference.
Visit www.choa.org/generousgeneration to learn more.
Spring 2012 | 15
A day of cards and camaraderie supports patients
In February, participants gathered for Cards for a Cause, a new event benefiting Marcus
Autism Center. Sponsored by the American Contract Bridge League Charity Foundation,
the event brought together women who played bridge, enjoyed lunch and special prizes,
and celebrated each other’s company. A special thanks to Event Chair Ann Cowan for
her dedication and creativity in developing this new and exciting event.
Make a racket for Children’s
The second annual Hope and Will Challenge Tennis Tournament will be Friday, May 18. Join
your fellow players to serve up hope for the patients of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the
DeKalb Tennis Center in Atlanta.
Visit www.choa.org/hopeandwillchallenge for more information and to register to play.
Kathy Argenbright, Ann Cowan, Kim McEver and Harriet Woodward
girlFriends
Friends is excited to announce its newest
volunteer group supporting Children’s—
girlFriends. This group is designed for
girls in grades nine to 12 who want to
support Children’s through volunteer
opportunities, fundraising events and
special service projects.
Johns Creek Derby party
In May, Johns Creek Friends will enjoy the
sixth annual Derby Day at Country
Club of the South, featuring traditional
Derby-style refreshments and entertainment.
In 2011, the event raised $55,000
for Children’s.
Melting pot
In 2011, Melting Pot Restaurants in Atlanta
gave $80,000 through various fundraisers
such as Paint the Town, Encore for a Cure
and a Father’s Day promotion. Pictured
here are Melting Pot representatives Mark
Gunn, Layla Gunn and Robert Gunn Sr.
Drive home your support
Is it time to renew your vehicle registration? This
year, show your fellow drivers you are a proud
supporter of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
with a specialty issued Children’s license plate.
These license plates raise more than $12,000 for
Children’s every year. Visit www.choa.org/
licensetag for information about purchasing a
new plate.
A holiday tradition supports Children’s
Neighbors joined to decorate their mailboxes for the
holidays and show their support for the patients at
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through the annual
Mailbox Brigade. Friends volunteers decorated and
spread holiday spirit in neighborhoods including
Brookhaven, Chastain, Decatur, Dunwoody,
Hampton Farms, High Point, Northside, North
Buckhead, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna and
Westside. The citywide initiative raised more than
$98,000 for Children’s.
Fin Fest
Guests enjoyed the second annual Family
Fin Fest at Georgia Aquarium. Fun was
had by all as friends and family had a
private viewing experience at the aquarium
followed by a picnic dinner and family
friendly activities.
16 | smallwonders
friends around town
Coins for Clowns April 2012 www.choa.org/coinsforclowns
Hike for Hyde Saturday, April 14 www.hike4hyde.com
Fairy Tale Tea Sunday, April 15 www.choa.org/fairytaletea
Motherhood the Musical Friday, April 20 www.marcus.org/events
NCR Sprint for Cancer Saturday, April 21 www.choa.org/sprintforcancer
Taste of Peachtree Sunday, April 22 www.choa.org/top
Huddle Up for Miracles Monday, April 30 giving.choa.org/huddleup
Peachtree Battle Tour of Homes Tuesday, May 1 www.choa.org/hometour
The Fish 104.7 Radiothon Wednesday, May 2 www.thefishatlanta.com
Nine at Night Saturday, May 5 www.choa.org/nineatnight
Johns Creek Derby Day Saturday, May 5 www.choa.org/derbyday
Fiesta Atlanta 5K Run Sunday, May 6 www.choa.org/fiestaatlanta
Atlanta Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show Monday, May 7 www.choa.org/fashionshow
A Taste of the Highlands Saturday, May 12 www.tasteofthehighlands.com
Hope and Will Challenge Tennis Tournament Friday, May 18 www.choa.org/tennischallenge
Butterfly Release Sunday, May 20 www.choa.org/butterfly
Walk Now for Autism Speaks Sunday, May 20 www.marcus.org/events
Cheers for Children Saturday, June 9 www.fjcatlanta.org
Watch the Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
battle each other to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the
10th annual Kauffman Tire Spring Classic for Kids Tuesday, April 24.
Visit www.choa.org/springclassic for more information.
mark your calendar
Spring 2012 | 17 Visit www.choa.org/events for information about these and all events supporting Children’s.
VS.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Inc.1687 Tullie Circle NEAtlanta, GA 30329-2320
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Commemorate a special occasion. Honor a brave patient at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Make a road race more meaningful. Widen your circle of support for Children’s. This can all be done by creating an online donation page and reminding your friends and family that they can make a difference in the lives of thousands of children.
Visit www.choa.org/clickforkids to create a page today.
become a fundraiser
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