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

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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.

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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