• MCH Foundation
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KAPOW

KAPOW is an employee volunteer program that was initiated by the Community and Volunteer Resources Department nine years ago.  KAPOW (Kids and the Power of Work) is a national program that joins businesses and elementary schools in partnerships.  KAPOW introduces young students to work-related concepts and experiences that can be continually reinforced throughout the students' formative years. MCH works in partnership with Coral Gables Elementary School and Perrine Elementary School.

This school year we are interacting with six second grade classes.  MCH staff members volunteer to visit the schools on a monthly basis, and provide interactive, educational hands on, and fun activities geared to teachpositive work values.  Once a year, the students visit MCH or the Palmetto Bay Center and have the opportunity to particpate in actual work-related hands-on activities.  The main campus employees participating this year are: Ann Garcia, Janice Wolfe, Luly Mendez, Rula Sater, Roumiana Katzarkov, and Cathy Viar.  At the Palmetto Bay Center, the KAPOW volunteers are: Jennie Clark, Ginger Henry, and Marie Severe.

On March 4 and March 5, the second graders from Coral Gables Elementary School visited Miami Children's Hospital so they could learn first hand about the world of work. We would like to thank all the staff and departments that made the experience so special for the children by providing interactive activities: 3 NE (Jill Tahmooressi and staff); Pharmacy (Reynaldo Perez), Medical Library (Roumiana Katzarkov); the Lab (Aleida Gavallas and staff), Simulator Lab (Beth Ramey); Dental Clinic (Karen Garcia and staff); and the Child Life Department (Susan Kinnebrew and staff). The time, talent and enthusiam demonstrated by the the staff made this visit a memorable and one that the children will always remember.

An Evening with the Arts

On May 14, 2007, the Community and Volunteer Resources Department hosted "An Evening with the Arts", showcasing the creative talens of South Miami Middle School students. We wanted to give these adolescents an opportunity to see the hospital first hand and get to know us and their community a little more, while at the same time, allowing us to get more insight into today's youth. 

Mr. Herb Summers, the Art Teacher from this magnet school, worked with his students to provide us with 27 original pieces of art.  The framed art consisted of digital photography (self-portraits) and etchings.  The art work may be seen on wall panels, directly off from the Main Lobby.  They will remain at MCH until next Spring.

The students, who are thirteen and fourteen years old, attended the art show with their parents, friends and teachers.  There was also a wonderful turn-out by appreciative MCH staff, and approximately 150 guests.

The CVR Department would like to thank the following staff for their support in making this event so successful: Roumiana Katzarkov, Pablo Gonzalez, Alex Gil,  Michele Molina, Frank Balbuena, Marcia Diaz De La Vega, Cynthia Gutierrez, Lauren Garcimonde, and Steve Llanes.

We hope everyone will take notice and enjoy the beautiful art work of these young artists.  The CVR Department also has brochures with the artists’ names, ages, and thoughtful comments, which are also available for you to pick up.

Volunteer Recognition Reception - 2007

On April 16, the Community and Volunteer Resource Department hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Reception at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables.

Attended by approximately 200 guests, we honored our 2006 volunteers. The following volunteers were recognized as Outstanding Volunteers:

Marcina Manraj-Radio Lollipop

Beth Maurer-CL/3 South

Cristina Molina-Nursing /3NE

Cecelia Seda-CL/Playroom

Barbara Shearer-CL/PICU

These volunteers, under the supervision of Child Life and nursing staff, visit and spend time with the children, as well as parents, offering them company, support and compassion.

Donna Huck was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.  Ms. Huck had devoted over 25 years to Miami Children's Hospital.  Donna has many roles at MCH.  She is a founding member of the MCH Community Council, serves on the Board of Directors, and is Chairman of Radio Lollipop USA.  Donna also volunteers in our Surgical Waiting Room, and was instrumental in starting this program, utilizing volunteers to act as liasons between patients and families and the hospital staff, helping to ease the anxieties of parents who children are in surgery.

Amidst a background of music, and an excellent menu (including a chocolate fountain),  volunteers spent a wonderful evening dancing and chatting with their fellow volunteers.   

The Community and Volunteer Resource Department would like to recognize ALL our volunteers for giving us such a valuable gift - the gift of time. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful volunteers and honored they have chosen to be at Miami Children's Hospital. 

Teen Conference 2007