Special Event

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Special Events

• Guidelines for Special Events
• Special Event Application

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Donations to Riley

Special Events occur throughout the year in the activity rooms on each unit and in the hospital's atrium. We receive many calls a week from warm-hearted Samaritans who want to make a difference in the lives of our Riley kids- such as TV characters, singing and sports celebrities, corporate groups, and community out reach organizations. It is our goal within the Child Life department at Riley to bring some joy and normalcy into what could otherwise be a very stressful hospital stay. It is only through people in the community, giving of their time and resources, that we are able to be more successful at this goal. For example, our patients can not leave the hospital to go to the museum; we bring the museum to the children.

Special events also help encourage our patients to participate in appropriate functions of play, which in turn increases the healing process. Each event begins with the freedom of choice - Do you want to participate and what do you want to do once you are there? Giving choices enables a patient to feel in control which is too many times taken away in the hospital setting. In addition, events offer a pleasant diversion from worry and stress, which help to foster coping skills.