Small Wonders, Spring 2011

Committed to Children’s, dedicated to the community6

Three deep breaths2

amongfriends14

A PublicAtion For the Donors oF chilDren’s heAlthcAre oF AtlAntA

smallwonders®

Volume 5 spring 2011

When Stephanie Blank, outgoing Foundation Board Chair, approached me in early 2010 about leading the Foundation Board, she billed the job as one of the most challenging, yet rewarding she had experienced. Challenging because the needs of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are great and continue to grow with metro Atlanta’s growing pediatric population. Rewarding because of the opportunity to connect generous donors like you with the programs and services at Children’s, for the great benefit of our community’s children.

As a parent, I am very familiar with challenging, yet rewarding jobs. I can easily recall the worry and stress of my daughters’ childhood illnesses and injuries, thankfully minor, and the comfort of knowing we had a wonderful place like Children’s in our own backyard. In my new role as Foundation Chairman, together with our Foundation Trustees, I will work to preserve the Children’s legacy of high-quality care and to ensure Children’s has the philanthropic support it needs to reach the next horizon. In this issue’s question-and-answer session, I hope you will take a moment to read more about the Foundation’s plans for the future.

I am excited for this new journey and look forward to working with many of you, our loyal donors, along the way. For your shared belief in our mission and passionate support of our vision, thank you. Here’s to the many challenges and rewards in the years to come!

Thomas M. Holder Chairman, Board of Trustees Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation

An exciting new journey Features

2

6

8

Three deep breathsthanks to children’s, rashonda Davis and her three children are breathing easier.

highlights & happenings ryan seacrest gives back to his hometown pediatric hospital in a big way.

Committed to Children’s, dedicated to the communityFor Associated hygienic Products llc, dedication is about more than just financial support.

12

14

Questions & Answerstommy holder, new chairman of the children’s Foundation board of trustees, talks about his plans for the future.

amongfriendsPeter Pan the Show is a flying success for children’s.

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.

Visit www.choa.org/smallwonders to sign

up to receive this publication electronically.

G.F. Agerton III

Claire L. Arnold

Kathy T. Betty

Robert W. Bruce Jr., M.D.

Robert M. Campbell, M.D.

James A. Carlos

Allen M. Chan

Dean H. Eisner

Rev. Dr. Darrell D. Elligan

Molly Fletcher

R. Brad Foster

Tom Giddens

Jonathan D. Goldman

Eugene A. Hayes III

Donna W. Hyland

Mary Ellen Imlay

Scott MacLellan

Richard J. McKay

William C. Pate

Beatriz Perez

Margaret Conant Reiser

Christy Roberts

Michael B. Russell

Scott Slade

Terri Theisen

Thomas m. Holder, Chairman

Douglas K. garges, Vice Chairman

Charles H. ogburn, Vice Chairman

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Foundation Board of Trustees

Connect with us

www.choa.org/give

Spring 2011 | 1

Three to four medications daily.

Frequent trips to the Emergency Department.

Sometimes-hourly breathing treatments.

Regularly missed school.

Constant worry.

Three deep breaths

being a parent to a child with asthma can be overwhelming and, at times, exhausting. but for single mother rashonda Davis, that experience is tripled.

Spring 2011 | 32 | smallwonders

Davis’ three children—Barnett, 7, Zettoria, 6, and Rashid, 4, whose last names are Holcomb—all suffer from the chronic illness. Health problems began for the children in 2008 when they were living in Florida.

“I would notice that they would be winded when they’d come inside from playing,” Davis said. “That’s when I first started to worry.”

Davis took her children to a pediatrician, who diagnosed them with bronchitis.

“He gave me cough medicine for them. It would help for a little while and then they’d go right back to wheezing.”

When the children did not show signs of improvement, she took them back to the doctor. He continued to treat them for bronchitis, but their symptoms never completely went away. Not long after, Rashid, then 1 year old, had to be hospitalized for dehydration and a high fever. Davis was told her son had a slight case of asthma, but would need to continue bronchitis treatment.

“I was so scared. They’d get this awful cough every two weeks. Sometimes I’d go into their rooms while they were sleeping just to make sure they were breathing.”

in 2009, the family relocated to georgia. A fresh start, a new school. And a dedicated school nurse who changed their lives.

Angelia Harrison, L.P.N., has been a nurse since 1979, working at Grady Memorial Hospital and later with children and adolescents. In 2007, she began her current role as school nurse at Glen Haven Elementary School in Decatur.

“I’ve been treating kids with asthma for years,” she said. “As soon as I saw the Holcomb children, I knew that’s what it was.”

Harrison called Davis to tell her she suspected both Barnett and Zettoria had asthma. Then the school nurse contacted Maryann Morris, Program Coordinator of the Asthma Management Education Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, who immediately called Davis. Morris set up an appointment for the Holcomb children at Children’s at Hughes Spalding, where their asthma diagnosis was confirmed.

“I was so glad I got them in there and finally got the right diagnosis,” Davis said.

Barnett and Rashid have the most severe asthma cases. Each child has his or her own Asthma Action Plan developed by the Children’s Asthma Center. The plan, written by the children’s physician, includes individualized strategies for treating each of their symptoms, depending on the severity.

“When you panic, you have to stay focused. I can read this sheet of paper, and it’s exactly what my doctor would tell me to do if I were to talk to him,” Davis said. “It really helps me to stay calm for my kids.”

Davis has learned to recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack. And though her children’s asthma is being controlled, it’s still a major part of her family’s life. In December 2010 alone, Rashid was in the Children’s Emergency Department three times. But she is grateful for the team at Children’s who have become like family to her.

“The care is so personal. They treat my kids like they’re their kids. And I love that,” she said.

As a single mother, Davis sacrifices to ensure she is there for her children. She works 40 hours every Friday through Sunday so she can spend the week volunteering at their school and staying home with Rashid.

“She’s always here for all their activities. She’s so great about helping the parents and helping the teachers,” Harrison said. “She’s a wonderful mother.”

For Davis, part of that dedication to her children is treating their asthma. Each child has breathing treatments and takes several medications daily.

“Sometimes it can be a challenge,” Davis said. “But my kids are smart and know what they need to do to feel better. And I have a great team to help me.”

Harrison, an essential member of that team, has seen the improvement in the Holcomb children. “Barnett’s asthma, especially, has really gotten better,” Harrison said. “I don’t have to see him as much.”

Many accomplished public figures, including athletes, politicians, authors and other celebrities, have asthma; Davis has unlimited hopes for her children, too. Barnett wants to be a teacher. Zettoria has dreams of being a fashion designer. And Rashid hopes to be a firefighter. Three distinct personalities who suffer from the same chronic illness. But Davis said her children don’t allow their asthma to get them down.

“My kids are very high-spirited,” Davis said. “They keep me on my toes. But I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

A resource for children Asthma is the No. 1 reason for

admission to Children’s Healthcare of

Atlanta and is one of the most common

chronic illnesses in children—accounting

for more than half a million missed

school days annually in Georgia.

But Maryann Morris, Program

Coordinator of the Children’s Asthma

Management Education Program,

and her team are doing their part

to help those children suffering from

the illness. The program, which

is based at Children’s at Hughes

Spalding, has trained more than

9,000 school nurses, school staff and

healthcare professionals about asthma

management and how to help children

safely participate in school and physical

activities. It also provides asthma

equipment to school nurses in metro

Atlanta to support students with special

medical and financial needs.

“Every year we have an in-service with

Maryann, where we learn about the

latest in asthma care,” said Angelia

Harrison, L.P.N. “I can always call

Maryann and she’ll help me however

she can to get equipment or call

a child’s parents if she needs to.

Children’s really steps up and provides

for these kids.”

Visit www.choa.org/asthma

to learn more.

One child dies every day in this country because of asthma.

In Georgia, more than 200,000 children age 18 and younger have asthma.

[ ]

[ ]

(Photos from top)(From left) Zettoria, Rashid and Barnett Holcomb read with their mother, Rashonda Davis. All three children have asthma, though Barnett and Rashid have the most severe cases.

Zettoria and Barnett Holcomb are energetic and happy, despite their struggles with asthma.

Rashid Holcomb receives a breathing treatment from Angelia Harrison, L.P.N., school nurse at Glen Haven Elementary School in Decatur, which Zettoria and Barnett attend. See our featured patients in action.

Visit www.choa.org/smallwonders to watch our new Small Wonders video companion.


George Jackson, CEO of Associated Hygienic Products LLC (AHP), believes that his company is never good enough.

“Every year, we strive to do more, we want to be better,” he said.

And nowhere is this commitment to excellence more evident than in AHP’s support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. AHP, headquartered in Duluth, Ga., has been manufacturing, marketing and selling disposable baby diapers and training pants in North America since 1984.

In recent years, the company expanded, adding manufacturing and distribution facilities in Ohio and Texas. As AHP started to grow, its leaders began streamlining their community involvement.

“We had many charities we were involved in, but it was too haphazard. We wanted to be deliberate and intentional with our giving,” Jackson said. “As a diaper manufacturer, Children’s was a natural fit for us.”

In 2008, AHP made its first financial commitment to Children’s with an initial gift of $50,000 to benefit the Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). But for Jackson, supporting Children’s was more than just a financial donation.

“Anyone can write a check, but I wanted our whole organization to become involved with Children’s,” he said.

Each year since 2008, employees from AHP have volunteered their time by answering phones at the AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB Care-a-Thon benefiting the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s. They’ve also participated in corporate volunteer opportunities, including Camp Children’s—during which patients participate in camp-like activities without leaving the hospital. And last year, AHP hosted the largest-ever Parents’ Night Out, providing food and entertainment for more than 100 patients and families of Children’s.

Companies like AHP are an asset to Children’s.

“They are a part of the community and so are we. When companies like AHP support us, it lends credibility to us as an asset to this community. We treat the children of many of these companies’ employees. When they’re invested in us, it’s like the engine that keeps this community going,” said Jai Rogers, Corporate Development Officer at Children’s.

Jackson said that they give because it’s the right thing to do.

“We are stakeholders in this community. In this company, we have a lot of parents, we have a lot of grandparents. Who doesn’t use Children’s? I think it’s critical when a company has some success, it shares that success with the community,” he said.

Since AHP began its relationship with Children’s, it has given $137,000. The company has also supported Children’s at Hughes Spalding with an unlimited diaper supply.

Children’s recently recognized AHP and four other companies for their commitment to making a difference at the Corporate Donor Recognition event.

“We were very honored by that award,” Jackson said. “Babies are our business and we are very committed to helping them.”

Jackson said he hopes to find additional ways to get his company engaged at Children’s.

“It’s really important that we see ourselves as active members of the communities we serve,” he said. “Even though our dollar commitment might go up and down from year to year, we are dedicated to following through and doing all we can.”

Visit www.choa.org/corporateconnections for more information about corporate giving.

“Anyone can write a check, but I wanted our whole

organization to become involved with Children’s.”

— George Jackson

making a difference at any level

Annual donations to Children’s

Healthcare of Atlanta support our

hospitals’ greatest needs—from

programs and services to equipment—

and help define excellence in 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

dedicated to the community

Committed to Children’s

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.

(Photos from left)George Jackson, CEO of Associated Hygienic Products LLC (AHP), answers phones at the AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB Care-a-Thon, with other employees from his company.

Employees from AHP present a donation to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.


marcus Autism Center has new clinical leader

In January, Ami Klin, Ph.D., began his new role as the first Chief of Autism and Related Disorders at Marcus Autism Center, an affiliate of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

An internationally recognized psychologist and researcher, Dr. Klin comes from the Child Study Center at Yale University School of Medicine, where he directed the Yale Autism Program. In his most noted work, Dr. Klin used eye-tracking technology to visualize and measure social engagement, allowing him to monitor infants who potentially have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With this scientific breakthrough, diagnosis and early intervention may be possible as early as 6 months old.

Dr. Klin’s appointment concluded a nationwide search for a clinical leader to continue to improve efforts in diagnosis, treatment, research and advocacy for children with autism and related disorders. Dr. Klin’s new role is crucial to Marcus Autism Center, given that ASDs are the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the U.S., affecting one in 110 children nationally. In Georgia that number is even higher, with an estimated 20,000 children—or roughly one in 98—having an ASD.

Children’s at Hughes spalding achieves milestones

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding recently achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, making it the first hospital in Georgia to earn this distinction. Under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Healthcare Green Building Rating System, the pediatric facility is an example of a sustainable building designed for better environmental and health performance. Children’s at Hughes Spalding was able to make this green building a reality thanks to a gift from The Kendeda Fund.

The recently renovated facility houses specialty clinics, primary care services and an enhanced Emergency Department. The design incorporates environmentally conscious elements, including an underground irrigation system constructed to collect rainwater for outdoor landscaping and improve water efficiency. The facility also has a reflective roof that maintains cooler temperatures in the building.

Children’s at Hughes Spalding was also recently recognized by Central Atlanta Progress as one of the Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence Award winners. Central Atlanta Progress honors downtown businesses for their design innovations. The award raises awareness about quality additions, renovations, rehabs and new construction projects in downtown Atlanta.

ryan seacrest lends his voice to Children’s

Ryan Seacrest has given back to his hometown in a big way. The Atlanta native recently launched the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, with its first initiative to build broadcast media centers within pediatric hospitals. In November 2010, Seacrest unveiled his first center, THE VOICE, at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

THE VOICE is designed to let patients explore radio, TV and new media. Though the center is physically located in the lobby at Children’s at Egleston, the station also broadcasts to Children’s at Hughes Spalding and Children’s at Scottish Rite.

Hundreds attended the grand opening, including nearly 20 local and national media outlets. Seacrest was joined by his family, leaders of Children’s and 16-year-old Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders patient Leah Brinson, as he cut the ribbon to THE VOICE and hosted the first live broadcast.

THE VOICE will also allow others from the community, including students from local journalism schools, colleges and universities, to gain firsthand experience in broadcasting, programming and operating a multimedia center.

highlights&happenings

Annual event will feature first look at dolphin exhibit

The Big Splash 2011 is Saturday, March 26, at Georgia Aquarium and promises to be one of the biggest events of the year. Featuring culinary delights from Wolfgang Puck, live entertainment and the chance to be among the first to experience the new $110 million dolphin exhibit, the black-tie-optional gala also will include a live auction and special performers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Ami Klin, Ph.D., new Chief of Autism and Related Disorders at Marcus Autism Center. This year’s gala will honor Billi and Bernie Marcus for their commitment to children and families impacted by a developmental disability. All proceeds from The Big Splash benefit Marcus Autism Center.

Patron level tickets are $1,250 per person and include VIP seating for the exclusive premiere of the dolphin show, tickets to The Big Splash and an invitation to a Whale of a Patron Party—a private cocktail reception hosted by Billi and Bernie Marcus the evening of The Big Splash. This reception will include a private viewing of the beluga whale exhibit. Nonpatron tickets for The Big Splash are $350 per person.

Space is limited and sponsorship packages are still available. Contact Jennifer McDonald at [email protected] or 404-785-9486 to purchase tickets.

Children’s once again among best places to work in u.s.Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has been ranked among Fortune magazine’s elite list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America. This is the sixth consecutive year our not-for-profit pediatric healthcare system has been named to the list.

Children’s is one of only three companies headquartered in Georgia to make the list. Landing at No. 60, Children’s also received special recognition for being a top company for women, placing fourth in a sub-category for female staff. In addition, Children’s was ranked in a sub-category recognizing diversity.


Carter’s makes donation to Children’sCarter’s Inc., a children’s apparel manufacturer, recently gave Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta $300,000 to help fund the playrooms at Children’s at Egleston and Children’s at Scottish Rite. The playrooms provide a warm, positive environment for child life specialists to help children work through their fear and anxiety about treatment in a safe setting.

Michael Casey, Carter’s CEO, and Children’s leaders including Donna Hyland, President and CEO of Children’s, and Gene Hayes, President of the Children’s Foundation, were on-hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony last fall.

Hope and Will Ball celebrates patients, Children’s leaderIn January, 700 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta donors celebrated the eighth annual Hope and Will Ball at the St. Regis Atlanta. The sold-out event, which raised more than $800,000, honored outgoing Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Stephanie Blank for her great commitment to Children’s. Attendees also listened as the Loughran family shared their story. The Loughrans’ son, Jordan, has undergone two blood and marrow transplants (BMTs) since his 2006 diagnosis of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Throughout the evening guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing to music performed by That 80’s Band. Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s Fund-an-Item live auction gave attendees the opportunity to purchase a lifesaving piece of equipment called a continuous renal therapy dialysis machine (CRRT), which will help other patients like Jordan.

star 94 celebrates eighth annual fundraiserDuring its three-day broadcast last November, the Star 94 Cares for Kids Radiothon raised $560,212, bringing its eight-year total to more than $7.8 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

During the annual broadcast, 94.1 FM radio personalities shared stories of hope and healing from Children’s patients. They also raised awareness of the importance of Children’s to the community.

The amazing stories of how Children’s has made a difference in the lives of patients and their families inspired thousands of Star 94 listeners to call and share their own stories and desire to make a difference.

supermodel brings cheer to patientsCindy Crawford knows firsthand the pain that childhood cancer can bring to a family. The supermodel lost her brother, Jeff, to leukemia when he was just 10 years old.

In November 2010, Crawford, as part of an ongoing relationship between Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Rooms To Go, for which she promotes her furniture line, visited with patient families at Children’s at Egleston. Crawford was in town to celebrate the grand opening of the Perimeter Rooms To Go store, which donated part of its opening-day proceeds to Children’s.

Passionate about bringing hope to young people, Crawford has visited children’s hospitals around the country since beginning her relationship with Rooms To Go in 2005.

new Wingman bead brings hope to cancer patients

For a child with cancer, every bead tells a story. Beads of Courage, a national program,

helps children mark milestones in their cancer battle. Beads are given to children to mark chemotherapy, clinic visits, hair loss, surgeries and other key events in their treatment. Patients wear the necklaces of beads as a reminder of their brave battles.

In October 2010, NASCAR driver Carl Edwards unveiled the new Aflac Duck Wingman Bead of Courage during the Sprint Cup event at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. In honor of the Aflac Duck’s 10th birthday, Aflac created the bead in the duck’s likeness to show children with cancer they are not alone. Patients at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta were recently featured along with Beads of Courage founder Jean Baruch in a December 2010 segment of CBS Sunday Morning.

Through collaboration between Beads of Courage and Aflac, donors can purchase a Wingman bead and an Encouragement Book, in which children can write about their courageous journeys, for a $5 donation.

Visit www.beadsofcourage.com for more information.

Children’s approved to expand into Forsyth CountyIn November 2010, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta received approval from the state for a new pediatric facility in Forsyth County to address the increasing demand for pediatric health services in Forsyth County.

The approximately $5.7 million, 20,000-square-foot facility will provide outpatient services including immediate care, rehabilitation, sports medicine, orthotics and prosthetics, X-ray and labs.

The new neighborhood location will be located in leased space at The Avenue Forsyth off Peachtree Parkway and is scheduled to open in June.

“Our initial plans for a neighborhood location in leased space is a way for us to provide some of those much-needed services immediately,” said Linda Cole, Vice President of Ambulatory Services, who is leading the implementation of the new location. “However, we are working on plans for the future that will include a new facility on 28 acres of land. This facility will allow us to provide even more services right here in the Forsyth community.”

Kauffman Tire becomes title sponsor of annual baseball fundraiser

The Kauffman Tire Spring Classic for Kids is one of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s largest fundraising events. Featuring two of college baseball’s top programs—the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech—more than 20,000 tickets are sold annually to this game at Turner Field, making it one of the largest college baseball games each year.

This year’s game is Tuesday, April 26. Georgia Tech defeated Georgia in the 2010 game. In the previous eight Spring Classic games, Georgia leads the series six games to two. General admission tickets are $12 and will be available through Ticketmaster.

Visit www.choa.org/springclassic for more information about this event and corporate and group ticket packages starting at $120.

Beth Park (left) and Cathy Rhodes (right) chaired the 2011 Hope and Will Ball, which honored Stephanie Blank (center) and celebrated her commitment to Children’s.


How did you become involved with Children’s?

In early 2006, Gene Hayes, President of the Foundation, paid me a visit. He was seeking corporate support for One to Grow On: The Campaign for Children’s, a five-year endeavor that ultimately raised $294 million for Children’s. Holder Construction supports several worthy not-for-profit organizations, but when Gene shared with me the number of Holder associates who brought their kids to Children’s for care, I was convinced Children’s needed and deserved our company’s philanthropic support.

Later that year, Doug Hertz and Stephanie Blank, Chairs of the Children’s System and Foundation Boards respectively, approached me about serving as a Foundation Trustee. I was honored to become more involved with such an outstanding organization—as an Atlanta business leader and as a dad of two wonderful girls.

What are your thoughts as you take the helm of the Foundation Board?

I have big shoes to fill. Stephanie Blank did an incredible job leading the Foundation Board during the past five years. Her passion for child health issues and her innate ability to share the Children’s story in such a persuasive way have been an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of serving during her tenure. Stephanie also deserves credit for greatly elevating the profile of the Foundation Board within the community and recruiting an impressive group of Trustees. With their support and that of the outstanding Foundation staff, I look forward to doing my part to help ensure a bright, prosperous future for Children’s.

Where do you see the Foundation focusing its efforts in the next five years?

Our Children’s Circle of Care program, recognizing individuals who give $10,000 or more in a calendar year, has grown leaps and bounds since its inception more than 10 years ago. But

there’s an opportunity to make this major gifts program even more successful by sourcing an increased number of annual individual gifts above and beyond $10,000. Planned giving will increasingly be a focus, as we work to educate donors about the legacy they can leave at Children’s.

We also need to continue building our pipeline of donors, introducing more individuals to Children’s at the $1,000 to $9,999 giving range as part of our annual giving program and developing new and creative ways to involve these donors in our organization, so they will continue to invest in Children’s, hopefully at progressively higher levels.

Finally, continuing to build our corporate fundraising base remains a priority. There are so many top companies based in Atlanta whose employees depend upon Children’s. To me, that’s a very compelling reason to commit corporate dollars to our organization.

You have a proven track record of successful fundraising for Children’s. in your experience, what compels a potential donor to give?

Children’s is a large pediatric healthcare system, and as such, I think there’s often the misperception that we don’t need philanthropic support or that we are a for-profit institution. When you really take the time to explain to a potential donor that Children’s cares for Georgia’s kids, regardless of a family’s ability to pay—that really makes a difference. More than half our patients are on Medicaid, PeachCare or are uninsured, something that people don’t often realize. Our mission to serve all of Georgia’s kids is the crux of our business model.

if you had one sentence to sum up why people should donate to Children’s, what would it be?

For the sake of all our children, we must continue to invest in and support Children’s, the state’s largest pediatric healthcare system, and its mission to save young lives.

&Questions

AnswersAs Chairman and CEO of Holder Construction Company,

Tommy Holder has dedicated his professional career

to building the company into one of the nation’s top

commercial construction firms. Now he’s swapping

his hard hat for a fundraising cap, as incoming

Chairmanofthe Children’s Healthcare

of Atlanta Foundation Board of

Trustees. In this question-and-

answer session, Holder speaks

about his “promotion” to

Chairman and his plans

for the future.

Spring 2011 | 13

Friends leaders learn about patient experiences

In February, Friends Board members

and group chairs met for a mid-year

meeting and lunch to discuss the latest

Friends news and fundraising updates.

Participants listened as Jessica

Hatcher, Chair of Heart Friends, spoke

about her son Wyatt, a patient at

the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Sibley Heart Center. Stephanie Dill

also talked to attendees, sharing her

experience as a child life specialist

at Children’s.

Dill shared stories of the Sibley Heart

Center Beads of Courage Program.

Supported annually by Friends, the

Beads of Courage Program allows

cardiac patients to mark milestones in

their treatment, such as surgeries and

hospital stays with colorful beads.

Friends leaders were able to have a

hands-on experience by creating their

own Beads of Courage keychain as a

daily reminder of their dedication and

support of the patients at Children’s.

Peter Pan the Show flies high for Children’s In January, children and adults alike delighted in the world of Peter Pan while supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Pemberton Place in downtown Atlanta, adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola, hosted the spectacular production of Peter Pan the Show, based on J.M. Barrie’s classic story.

More than 1,300 guests were among the first to experience the East Coast premiere on a special preview night. Featuring dazzling 360-degree imagery, the show took guests soaring over London with Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell in the magical journey that combined live theater and jaw-dropping

special effects in a state-of-the art theater tent.

Proceeds from the preview night benefited the Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Program.

encourage kids to give back

With the goal of educating children about the importance of giving back to their community, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Generous Generation initiative organizes activities that children, schools and neighborhood groups can participate in to raise money in support of Children’s.

This spring, Generous Generation has two new opportunities. Players of Northside Youth Organization (NYO) baseball and softball, and Atlanta Youth Lacrosse (AYL) will exercise the spirit of giving through a coin collection competition to benefit Children’s. Funds raised through this initiative will help fund the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit, which delivers giggles and grins to patient families at Children’s.

But you don’t have to be involved in NYO or AYL to give back. During April, children can participate in Coins for Clowns through fun runs, bake sales, book sales and other fundraisers. Last April, participants raised more than $11,000.

Contact Kate Myers at [email protected] or visit www.choa.org/generousgeneration for more information.

amongfriends

plant a seed to help grow Friends membership

Friends’ mission is to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through volunteer service, fundraising and advocacy opportunities. There are more than 35 Friends groups in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. To keep expanding our reach to raise even more money and to increase exposure for Children’s through our fundraising efforts, we need your help.

We are looking for people to begin Friends groups in key Georgia cities, including Savannah, Columbus, Augusta, Alpharetta and Macon. Let us know if you or someone you know can make a difference in your town for the patients and families of Children’s.

Contact Kate Myers at [email protected] for more information. Visit www.choa.org/friends for an interactive map listing existing Friends groups across metro Atlanta.

ralph lauren featured designer for annual fashion showSaks Fifth Avenue and the St. Regis Atlanta will host the fourth annual Atlanta Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show at the St. Regis Monday, April 18, to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Attendees will get a sneak peek at world-renowned designer Ralph Lauren’s new line. In addition, this year’s show will feature several women of style and substance, selected for their commitment to serving Atlanta with style and grace.

Premium tables of 10 can be purchased at the patron level for $3,500, while other tables of 10 can be purchased for $2,000. All patrons will be invited to a private party at the home of Danielle Rollins.

Contact Kate Myers at [email protected] or www.choa.org/fashionshow for more information.

inaugural tennis tournament to benefit Children’sThe Hope and Will Tennis Challenge will be Thursday, May 19. The tournament will be played in two locations—at the DeKalb Tennis Center in Decatur and the Medlock Bridge Tennis Center in Alpharetta.

Participants will have the opportunity to serve hope and add love to the hundreds of thousands of patients treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The registration fee is $75.

Visit www.choa.org/tennischallenge for more information and to register.

Tradition continues at the peachtree Battle Home and garden TourA favorite event benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Peachtree Battle Home and Garden Tour gives attendees the opportunity to see some of the finest new and renovated houses in Atlanta. Hosted by Peachtree Battle Friends, this year’s event is Tuesday, May 3.

Tickets are $20 in advance and can also be purchased for $25 at any of the homes the day of the tour. Lunch at one of the homes is also available for an additional fee. Visit www.choa.org/hometour to purchase tickets or to see a list of retail locations where tickets can also be purchased.

Friends Board and group chairs, including Jessica Hatcher—parent to a patient of Children’s and Heart Friends chair—created their own Beads of Courage keychains at their mid-year meeting.


2011 Taste of Dunwoody

Dunwoody Friends chairs, Jill Wirka (left) and Gina Bodell, organized another successful Taste of Dunwoody in early February. The event was a sell-out and generated more than $35,000 for Children’s.

paint the Town

Guests enjoyed the third annual Paint the Town event sponsored by The Melting Pot in January at Vinings Gallery. Guests experienced the artistic innovations of Denard Stalling and Pamela Sukhum and sampled wines from The Melting Pot’s private cellar. The event raised more than $50,000 for Children’s

roswell’s Toast to Children’s

The fifth annual Roswell’s Toast to Children’s is Friday, April 29. Guests will enjoy a silent auction wine tastings provided by Hinton’s Wine Store, and food pairings.

friends around town

Hope and Will Consignment saleFriday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19

east Cobb Friends Wine Tasting gala and silent Auction Monday, March 21 www.choa.org/events

my Friend’s ClosetThursday, March 24www.choa.org/events

The Big splash 2011Saturday, March 26www.marcus.org/events

Brookwood Hills Transformations Tour of HomesSaturday, March 26 www.choa.org/brookwoodhillstour

Heart Friends Bowling for BeadsSaturday, March 26www.choa.org/bowlingforbeads

Fairy Tale TeaSunday, March 27www.choa.org/fairytaletea

Wrestlemania ArtWednesday, March 30www.choa.org/wweart

Coins for ClownsApril 2011www.choa.org/coinsforclowns

northside Family Fun Fair and FlickSaturday, April 16www.choa.org/events

radiant systems sprint for CancerSaturday, April 16www.choa.org/sprintforcancer

Atlanta spring luncheon and Fashion showMonday, April 18www.choa.org/fashionshow

Kauffman Tire spring Classic for KidsTuesday, April 26www.choa.org/springclassic

roswell’s Toast to Children’sFriday, April 29www.choa.org/roswellstoast

A Taste of BuckheadSunday, May 1www.choa.org/events

peachtree Battle Home and garden TourTuesday, May 3www.choa.org/hometour

peachtree Battle Home and garden TourTuesday, May 3www.choa.org/hometour

Johns Creek Derby Day partySaturday, May 7www.choa.org/derbyday

nine at nightSaturday, May 7www.choa.org/nineatnight

Vinings estates Fun runSaturday, May 7www.choa.org/vefunrun

A Taste of the HighlandsSaturday, May 14www.tasteofthehighlands.com

Butterfly releaseSunday, May 15www.choa.org/butterfly

The Hope and Will Challenge Tennis TournamentThursday, May 19www.choa.org/tennischallenge

Cheers for ChildrenSaturday, June 11www.fjcatlanta.org

“like” us on Facebook

Connect with other volunteers of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through Facebook to learn about volunteer news and opportunities and community events. Visit www.facebook.com/childrensvolunteers to get connected.

shop, save and support

Simplify your online bargain hunt while supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with My Shopping Genie, a safe, free online application that helps you find the lowest prices on millions of products. By clicking through products the Genie suggests—no purchase necessary—you are donating to Children’s. It is that simple. Visit www.choa.org/myshoppinggenie for more information.

Chuckles for Children’s

Westside Friends members enjoyed the hilariously entertaining improvisational comedy skits at their third annual Chuckles for Children’s in January at Whole World Theatre.

Play like a pro with the pros at the inaugural Matt Ryan

Celebrity-Am Classic, Sunday, June 5, to Monday,

June 6, at Tournament Players Club (TPC) Sugarloaf.

Participants will enjoy golf, live and silent auctions and a

draw party with the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and

other celebrities.

Visit www.choa.org/mattryan for more information.

Visit www.choa.org/events for information about these and all events supporting Children’s.

Mark Your Calendar


Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Inc.1687 Tullie Circle NEAtlanta, GA 30329-2320

Please write to us if you no longer wish

to receive fundraising requests from

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Address Service Requested

smallwonders® Published by the children’s healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, 1687 tullie circle ne, Atlanta, GA 30329-2320 l www.choa.org/give

©20

11 C

hild

ren’

s H

ealth

care

of A

tlant

a In

c. A

ll rig

hts

rese

rved

. STE

W 9

4158

1.cb

.3/1

1

Pre-Sorted First Class MailU.S. Postage

PAIDAtlanta, GA

Permit No. 6722

See our featured patients in action. Visit www.choa.org/smallwonders to watch our new Small Wonders video companion.

Small Wonders, Spring 2011

Documents

Transcript of Small Wonders, Spring 2011