Children's Mercy families enjoy ‘NICU Night Out’
Community partners and volunteers provide special evening during the holidays
We all know having a hospitalized child is tough on families, but during the holidays it can be especially heartbreaking. Children’s Mercy NICU families received a respite on Dec. 21, thanks to Country Hill Motors.
“We included Children’s Mercy in our ‘season of giving’ efforts because so much of our staff has a connection with the hospital,” said Danny Zaslavsky, Director – Country Hill Motors. “It’s amazing how many employees’ children – or their grandchildren, nieces or nephews – have received outstanding care at Children’s Mercy. It’s inspiring! Children can’t determine their circumstances, which makes it even more meaningful to reach out a helping hand to them. It was a magical night and opened my eyes to what these families go through.”
Country Hill Motors is giving gift cards to families who attended December’s NICU Night Out. Zaslavsky coordinated the event and inspired other businesses and individuals to also give, including:
- Cinzetti’s – Donated a large Italian dinner to feed about 85 caregivers. Also gave Cinzetti’s gift cards to all families who attended.
- Studio Dan Meiners – Provided floral centerpieces for all the tables.
- World Gym – Presented a $1,000 donation to Children’s Mercy.
- Opera singer and pianist, Ashley Wheat – Provided live entertainment. Wheat is with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
Children’s Mercy hosts a NICU Night Out every month in the Community Room for parents and caregivers, and is looking to fill monthly volunteers for 2016. If your group would like to host a NICU Night Out, contact Megan Day, Manager–Philanthropic Community Engagement and Events, at 816.302.0014 or mmday@cmh.edu.
“This event went above and beyond to make our families feel special,” Day said. “Everyone stayed around after they ate to chat together, listen to amazing music and select some Christmas gifts, which were all donated. It brought the holiday spirit to these families at a time they need to feel hope and a sense of community.”