Sara Hall is a member of the 2019 Public Relations Committee.
Every year, students, committee members and the CFTK Executive Board stand together for 12 and 24 hours to benefit the patients and families of UNC Children’s. Many decide to participate in the UNC Dance Marathon to face (and hopefully overcome) the challenge of standing and staying awake for the duration of the Marathon. However, the money that CFTK raises before and during the Marathon represent so much more than simply a physical and mental challenge.
Two huge beneficiaries of CFTK’s yearlong fundraising efforts are Parent’s Night Out (PNO) and the Pediatric Play Atrium on the 7th floor of N.C. Children’s Hospital. Parent’s Night Out allows committee members to deliver weekly dinners to parents of the patients of N.C. Children’s Hospital. Often these parents do not have time to leave the hospital to pick up dinner or even think about food. Therefore, they usually resort to the cafeteria food. PNO provides these parents with a hot, healthy meal without having to leave their child’s side. The families appreciate the simple act of a hot and healthy meal more than one would imagine, and they are always overjoyed when a CFTK committee member knocks on their door with a warm, fresh meal and a smile.
Every year, students, committee members and the CFTK Executive Board stand together for 12 and 24 hours to benefit the patients and families of UNC Children’s. Many decide to participate in the UNC Dance Marathon to face (and hopefully overcome) the challenge of standing and staying awake for the duration of the Marathon. However, the money that CFTK raises before and during the Marathon represent so much more than simply a physical and mental challenge.
Two huge beneficiaries of CFTK’s yearlong fundraising efforts are Parent’s Night Out (PNO) and the Pediatric Play Atrium on the 7th floor of N.C. Children’s Hospital. Parent’s Night Out allows committee members to deliver weekly dinners to parents of the patients of N.C. Children’s Hospital. Often these parents do not have time to leave the hospital to pick up dinner or even think about food. Therefore, they usually resort to the cafeteria food. PNO provides these parents with a hot, healthy meal without having to leave their child’s side. The families appreciate the simple act of a hot and healthy meal more than one would imagine, and they are always overjoyed when a CFTK committee member knocks on their door with a warm, fresh meal and a smile.
With the help of fundraising efforts by CFTK supporters, the Pediatric Play Atrium is able to stay open for extended hours. Scattered around the Play Atrium are tables full of arts and crafts and toys and games providing patients the opportunity to leave their hospital rooms and enjoy a few minutes of fun. The Play Atrium lets the patients take a short break from the worries of the hospital, and CFTK committee members often spend many afternoons interacting with the patients and creating themed activities around inspirational characters such as Dr. Seuss.
Without the efforts of our dancers, committee members, sponsors and donors, none of our funding would be possible. The money raised is crucial to CFTK’s mission, and we are incredibly grateful for those who allow us to fund impactful programs such as PNO and the Pediatric Play Atrium!