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My Experience as a Committee Member

8/28/2022

 
Trang Dinh is the 2022-2023 E-Writing Subchair
When individuals, especially incoming freshmen, ask me what is something you recommend doing in college I tell them every time to join organizations that you are interested in. Last year when I was a freshman, I knew I wanted to join an organization that aligned with my interests and one that would create impact in our community. Carolina for the Kids was the organization for me. 
​

CFTK itself has various different committees that include: 

  • Campus Fundraising
  • Community Relations 
  • Creative Media 
  • Entertainment 
  • Formal Affairs
  • Hospital and Family Relations 
  • Morale and Recruitment 
  • Operations 
  • Organizational Donations 
  • Public Relations 

I was part of the Public Relations committee and I found the experience to be valuable and fun. We advertised and promoted fundraising for the pediatric patients at UNC Children’s Hospital. I was personally on the E-Writing Subcommittee where I helped the subchair with blog posts for the organization, which led me to become a subchair this year! There are so many committees that you can explore and fit your interests. For example, if you are artistic and enjoy creating infographics, you can apply for the Creative Media committee or if you enjoy coordinating financials through the solicitation of local businesses, you can join Organizational Donations committee. 
Whatever committee you end up choosing, I guarantee you that your time will not be wasted and remember it’s all for the kids!

Committee Recruitment Week starts August 29th-September 2nd and you can find us in the pit on those days listed from 9am-3pm. Applications are now live and you can fill out the application here by Sunday, September 4th at 11:59 pm. You can also click on this link and fill out information to get updates on recruitment. 
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2021-2022 Creative Media Committee

2022 Dance Marathon Recap

6/17/2022

 
Trang Dinh is the 2022-2023 E-Writing Subchair
  On March 26, 2022, we held our first in-person 12 hour (yes, 12 hours of no sitting! Your eyes are not deceiving you,) Dance Marathon since the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, the executive, subchair, committee members, and dancers all stood in solidarity with the pediatric patients and families of UNC Children’s Hospital. ​
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                                                                                   CFTK members and dancers enjoying Zumba.

  Of course, it wasn’t just standing. The day was filled with countless activities such as dancing, astounding performances from our Morale committee and UNC groups, sunset walk, outdoor carnival, color war between our committees (congratulations to the green team,) and most notably Family Hour where we first-handedly interacted and listened to the impact CFTK has had on the pediatric patients and families of UNC Children’s.

​
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                                   Larcie Britt, 2021-22 CFTK’s Hospital and Family Relations Chair, introducing the KCC’s during Family Hour.
  We cannot thank everyone enough for the immense support we’ve received throughout the year. Thank you to our amazing executive and subchair board, committee members, dancers, sponsors, and other individuals that donated to our cause. This year we were able to raise $288,306.07 for the supporting families and patients! We cannot express our gratitude enough and are so grateful to have such a supporting community. Thank you all for a spectacular year and we cannot wait for the next Dance Marathon and what’s in store for next year!
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                                                                                2021-22 Executive revealing the total fundraising amount.

Carolina For The Kids Raises $10K in One Day

3/3/2022

 
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Trang Dinh is a member of the 2021-2022 Public Relations committee.

This past weekend, February 26, 2022, CFTK hosted the One Day campaign, which was
a big success! In just 24 hours CFTK raised a total of $10,860.77 and are extremely grateful for
the immense support from students, businesses, local community members, donors, and
amazing members. Fundraising included a benefit night at Chipotle and individual efforts. Two
of the committees also had fundraising initiatives: the Entertainment Committee hosted a bake
sale on campus and the Creative Media Committee sold Michael Jordan jersey stickers.


​Pictured: Michael Jordan jersey sticker sold by the Creative Media Committee for fundraising.






​
​All proceeds will go to the following:
  1. The For the Kids Fund, covering costs of hospitalization that is not covered by insurance.
  2. Parents Night Out, providing families with a free meal during their hospital stays and visits.
  3. Carolina For The Kids Grants and Research Grants, simply improving care for patients.
  4. Pediatric Play Atrium, offering a place where patients can have fun and enjoy during their hospitalization.

One Day would not have been possible without the support of our members and the
Carolina community, and we are so thankful for all the dedication everyone worked towards a
good cause. If you would like to add to our incredible total, visit carolinaftk.org/donate. 

Dance Marathon Interview with Chloe, Madeline, and Madison

1/7/2022

 
Trang Dinh is a member of the 2021-2022 Public Relations committee.

The UNC Dance Marathon (DM) is such a crucial year-long fundraising effort that CFTK hosts to support the patients and families at UNC Children's Hospitals. From Dancer Recruitment Week (DRW), we recruited a substantial number of dancers and the executive board, sub-chairs, and committee members all worked extremely hard and dedicated their time to raise money and to ensure the success of DM. Since there are a lot of new dancers and members who have never attended DM, we thought it would be a great idea to provide insight from our Public Relations Chair: Madison Gilder, our E-Writing Chair: Madeline Leung, and Public Relations Committee Member: Chloe Yopp. 

For those experiencing the UNC dance marathon for the first time this year, what would you say to them? 

Chloe: Dance Marathon is like nothing else you’ll ever experience. During my freshman year, I was super nervous about the idea of a marathon, but it was such a great way to build a community and feel like a part of something bigger than yourself. If you’re hesitant, just do it! It’s on the UNC bucket list, a great way to meet people and you’re supporting the patients and families of UNC Children’s. And don’t worry— there’s A LOT more to do than just dance! 

Madeline: Make the most of it!! Since COVID has really changed the dance marathon for the last 2 years, we are so lucky to be able to do it in-person this year. With that being said, we should really make the most of the opportunity. Have fun, eat lots of food, and join in for the cause. 

Madison: I would say try to enjoy every moment! Marathon can be hard and tiring to get through since it's so many hours on your feet, but it really pays off to know all of the good you're doing is for the patients and families at UNC Children's.


What is your favorite dance marathon memory?

Chloe: During my first marathon, I had no idea what to expect. I’d heard things about what it was like, and stories from other committee members, but I couldn’t quite picture what it would be like. A few hours in, I was exhausted but having so much fun. It was the middle of the night and they ushered us all outside to Hooker Fields. When we got out there, what else did I see except for Ben and Jerry’s ice cream! It was such a fun moment to have ice cream in the middle of the night and play games on the fields to boost the energy and morale of all the dancers! 

Madeline: N/A 

Madison: My favorite DM memory is family hour. My freshman year, you got to interact with the people we supported and hear their stories and it was heartwarming to see them and how we have helped them personally.


Why should people sign up for dance marathon and what lessons and experiences can be taken from the event? 

Chloe: Dance Marathon is such a unique experience that you can’t recreate. It’s fun, exhausting, energetic, impactful, silly, and heartwarming all at the same time. I think everyone should go through the experience to be a part of a group working towards a bigger cause, and to experience UNC and its campus in a way that’s different from any other time. As far as lessons learned, I think the marathon gave me a deeper appreciation for what the families of children in the hospitals go through. Being able to hear directly from the children and families during the last hour of the marathon really makes it all worth it. If you’re hesitant about participating, I’d urge you to take the plunge because you’ll come out of it with an experience that’s nothing like you’ve ever had before.

Madeline: ​​Because it’s fun and the money is for a good cause! A lot of people get intimidated by the money they must raise, but it’s important to remember how valuable this money is/ the cause it’s going towards AND that you are getting a reward out of it as well! Meals, performances, friends, and fun are all part of the marathon, and it really is a rare and unique experience. Standing for 12 hours symbolizes our honor for the patients, families, and hospital staff that are burdened by physical and emotional troubles every day. As students, we can recognize our privileges and stand for those who don’t have what we do. 

Madison: People should sign up because it's our first one in person in years and an UNC bucket list event! Participants will be able to spend time with friends, meet new people and get involved in the communities both at UNC and in the hospital.


If you could describe dance marathon in one word, what would it be? 

Chloe: Impactful

Madeline: Surprise 

Madison: Inspiring: seeing so many students to come together for one great cause is a great feeling.


Sign up for the 2022 Dance Marathon here!

Dancer Recruitment Week (DRW) Begins!

10/25/2021

 

Jade Monday is the 2021-2022 Morale & Recruitment chair. 

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UNC Dance Marathon is a 12 hour no sleeping, no-sitting event that unites the students of UNC in support of the patients and families at UNC Children’s. It is a year-long fundraising effort that helps to ease the financial burden on patients’ families. Last year was my first year as a member of Carolina for the Kids and as a dancer at UNC Dance Marathon! Due to COVID, DM was held virtually, but despite a few technical difficulties, it was one of the most rewarding and fun experiences I've had here at UNC so far. I met so many amazing people including CFTK members, KCC families, and other UNC students through games like among us and trivia. This year's dance marathon will be held in person and I could not be more excited!! There will be performers, activities, food, and more! It's a great chance to have a positive impact while also having fun with great people. If you are interested in getting involved with Carolina for the Kids, having a great time participating in a Carolina tradition, and supporting the patients and families of UNC Children's, come see us in the pit between 9 am and 3 pm or click this link to sign up! We will also be hosting a dancer/ participant interest meeting on the 27th at 5 pm in room 112 in Hanes Hall if you want to learn more!

Kilometers For The Kids: An Operations Chair POV

9/28/2021

 

​MC Gray is the 2021-2022 Operations chair.

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​Two years ago, I found myself at the Old Well as an Operations Committee member, setting up for Kilometers For The Kids. It was the break of dawn, and, on any other day, I would have been in bed for at least 3 more hours. However, September 21, 2019 was not just “any other day.” It was the day where all of the months of hard work paid off, and I could finally see the results of my committee’s efforts.

As the clock inched closer to 9:00 am, people began to gather on East Cameron Avenue in their KFTK shirts. Many were excited, some were tired, and others were petrified of what was to come. Once the starter pistol went off, a look of determination rushed over the runners’ faces, and they took off along the course. Committee members began their cheers of encouragement, and runners began to make it past each mile marker. While it may not have been easy, everyone successfully made it to the finish line, knowing that they not only ran to better themselves but also the lives of the patients and families at UNC Children’s hospital. 

Fast forward two years: I am the Operations Chair of CFTK, the main organizer of KFTK. In this role, I have come to recognize that this race is outside of many folks’ comfort zones, and that is 100% normal. You do not need to be the fastest runner (nor do you have to run at all) in order to participate. Showing up is enough. I am the first to admit that I am not a morning person. However, I will wake up on October 3rd knowing that I am one step closer to making a difference.

The Value of Being a Committee Member

8/29/2021

 
Madeline Leung is the 2021-2022 E-Writing Subchair
Public Relations, Campus Fundraising, Creative Media, Formal Affairs, Entertainment, Morale & Recruitment, Operations, Community Relations, Hospital & Family Relations, Organizational Donations… These are all of the committees that Carolina For The Kids offers for students who are interested in joining our organization. From that list alone, it is safe to say that we truly have positions to cater to anyone's interests.
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​​​If you are like me, maybe the idea of advertising and social media management interests you. As a first year student at Carolina, I joined the Public Relations committee on a whim. I honestly did not know much about the organization at the time, and simply thought that Public Relations sounded fun (despite the fact that it was not related to my major or future career plans). After two years on the committee, I have come to love everything that goes into Public Relations and really enjoy the work that I do! 

On the other hand, you can very well find a committee that can advance your skills or align with your academic interests. A student who wants to pursue graphic design in the future may join the Creative Media committee to get that extra experience. Or a student who wants to become a doctor may join the Hospital & Family Relations committee to get more involved with the administration at UNC Children’s. Either way, there is great value and fun in being a committee member. 

The plethora of committee members that make up Carolina For The Kids is what keeps our organization running each year and we could not do it without them! Whether you join a committee to help build your skills or to learn some new ones, we welcome you with open arms. After all, all of the organization’s members have one common goal: to improve the lives of patients and families. We are always for the kids! 

​If you are interested in learning more about each committee, click here. Committee Recruitment Week is happening from August 30th to September 3rd - you can find us in the Pit all week!

Meet Cheryl, The Public Relations Committee Leader!

3/26/2021

 
Nicole DeBlois is a member of the Public Relations committee
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​     Carolina For The Kids is full of selfless members who are always giving their committees, as well as the organization, their absolute best. Cheryl Phillips, the 2020-2021 chair of the Public Relations committee, is one of these exceptional members. Her committee was in charge of running all social media channels, reaching out to reporters, getting coverage for major events, as well as keeping the blog and website updated. As the chair, Cheryl was in charge of coordinating between different committees in CFTK and other members of the executive board. Due to the shift of making everything virtual this year, Cheryl had to take on new responsibilities of getting engagement for these virtual events and making sure everything runs smoothly. Frankly, she has mastered breakout rooms better than some of our professors ever will after all of the weekly meetings she was in charge of running. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to situations and running with them, similar to what we all did for Kilometers for the Kids.

    When asked why she chose to join in the first place, she was candid with her response telling how it was on a complete whim. She feels lucky that she chose “the best student organization out there” and truly gets to see the incredible impact that this club is making. Seeing first hand how the patients and community around Chapel Hill have been affected in positive ways by CFTK’s contributions is rewarding for her and the reason why she is so involved.
    She strongly recommends this club to anyone and everyone and believes that CFTK is not only her home but offers the same warmth to anyone. Though the Public Relations committee is where she personally has exerted her time, she emphasizes the fact that there are so many committees that can fulfill diverse interests. The people that this club has brought, as well as the learning skills, is an experience she would never trade. Not only have the people in the club made her experience but the families from PNO and other wonderful people she works with. She is nothing short of excited for what is to come for the future of Carolina For The Kids and hopes that everyone else is too!    ​

A Day in the Life of a Committee Member (Dance Marathon Day Edition)

3/18/2021

 
Jackson Pace and Lindsey Poole are members of the 2021 Public Relations committee


I wake up Friday morning with a huge smile on my face. It’s my first year at UNC and first year participating in the Dance Marathon! All year I’ve seen so many fun pictures and videos about this day and it’s finally time for me to participate. I leave my apartment and walk to Purvelo, a local cycling studio, to warm up for the big day tomorrow.
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​     After I crush my workout, I head over to Target to grab a few granola bars and my guilty pleasure, a big bag of DUOZ Cheez-Its. This is my secret for staying upbeat and energetic the entire weekend. 

    It’s 1 o’clock and I meet up with a few other committee members to get our Dance Marathon packets outside of Fetzer Hall. The sun is beating down on us and the warm temperatures put me in the best mood to be on-campus. I see so many other students picking up their packets and try to find out their costume ideas, as I have yet to fully pick out my winning outfit. 
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​     Next, I drive over to Party City to browse around for a few extra jungle theme items. I’m really glad that I dressed as an 80s workout instructor for Halloween last year and can piece together some borrowed items from friends. I watch a few episodes of Survivor to get my mindset right and lockdown my strategy for tomorrow before going to bed early to make sure I am fully rested for the long day ahead of me. I can hardly handle my excitement!
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​     It’s finally the day! I hear my alarm start playing
CAN’T STOP THE FEELING! and for once, I jump out of bed. I have plans with a few of my CFTK friends to go to Brandwein’s Bagels to start our day off right. Everyone says a good breakfast is the key to a great Dance Marathon, so we had to go with our favorite local restaurant. 
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​     I go back to my apartment to put together all of the essentials: two water bottles, snacks, costumes, and my dancer packet. I turn on my favorite playlist of pump up music to get me ready to go and break into my bag of Cheez-its.

    It’s 11:59 a.m. and one minute away from starting the best day ever. I pull out my laptop to join the Zoom and I’m ready for the countdown to begin! See you on the other side!

Q&A with Public Relations Committee Subchair: Nicole and Chloe

3/15/2021

 
Ella Coxe and Brooke Watson are members of the 2021 Public Relations committee


​Carolina For The Kids does so much for the UNC Children’s Hospitals, but none of it would be possible without the amazing committee members that work incredibly hard to make the organization as successful as it is. This week, we want to highlight two hard-working sub chairs from the Public Relations Committee: Nicole Wesche and Chloe Yopp. The PR committee is lucky to have members like Nicole and Chloe and we hope you enjoy getting to know them!

How are you involved in CFTK/what is your role?
 
Chloe: This year I am the Media Relations sub chair on the Public Relations committee.  This is my third year on the PR committee and my first year as a sub chair. As a Media Relations sub chair, it is my job to compile media lists and contact news outlets about covering CFTK events throughout the year.  I write press releases and send them out to various news organizations whenever CFTK has newsworthy events like our Virtual Kilometers for the Kids 5K this past fall or our One Day Campaign coming up at the end of February. 
 
Nicole: I’m the Social Media sub chair
 
What is your favorite CTFK memory?
 
Chloe: One of my favorite CFTK memories is the time I was able to volunteer at the Pediatric Playroom at N.C. Children's Hospital my freshman year.  It was such a fun and rewarding experience to be able to spend time with the patients and siblings of patients and see them smile and have fun.  The hospital can be such a sad place for some of these families, so it was such a nice feeling to see these kids playing games and just being kids for a little while. 
 
Nicole: Making breakfast with my committee at the Ronald McDonald house for the patients and their families who are staying there. It was so great to get to interact with the patients and have the opportunity to serve them while they are going through all of the stress and expense of having a child in the hospital. 
 
How has CTFK impacted you?
 
Chloe: CFTK has really enhanced my experience as a student at UNC.  Sometimes I feel stuck in this Chapel Hill bubble when I am constantly on a campus full of people my age, but CFTK has helped me feel more connected to the Chapel Hill community and beyond.  When I leave UNC, I can know that I truly helped to make a difference in someone's life and that I had an impact while I was here and I think that is really cool.  
 
Nicole: CFTK has given me the opportunity to volunteer in the hospital and serve the Chapel Hill community during my four years here and helped me to make some amazing friends. I've gotten to know so many people who are so passionate about helping families in need, and this has inspired me to want to give back even more. 
 
Why should people sign up for the dance marathon?
 
Chloe: If you're unsure about signing up for the dance marathon, as Nike would say, just do it!  With the dance marathon being virtual this year, it is less of a commitment than it has ever been before and you still have a chance to make the same impact on the patients and families of N.C. Children's.  During this pandemic, I have sometimes found that it is hard to feel like I'm doing something with my life or making an impact because the world is just so crazy right now, but signing up for dance marathon provides an opportunity to make a difference during these unprecedented times.  There will be so many fun activities to participate in during the virtual marathon and being able to hear from the patients and families about what your donation has done for them makes it all worth it. So long story short: sign up today
 
Nicole: People should sign up for the dance marathon because it is a great way to serve those who are in the hospital, make friends, and have a super fun weekend all at the same time!! Participating in the dance marathon has been one of the best and most fun things I've done in my time at Carolina and think that every student should participate at least once!!!


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