Winter 2008 - Arkansas Children's Hospital

COMMUNITY EVENTSBrings Music to theHospital, Toys to PatientsSandy Burrows (standing), with the hospital’s volunteerservices department, interviewed with B98.5 radio DJs(from left) Kevin Miller, Lisa Fischer and Jeff Matthewsduring Festival of Stars at ACH.In December, more than 44 groups of performers brightenedthe days of patients, families and staff at ACH. Singers, musiciansand choirs filled the ACH lobby with the sounds of the season.The volunteer services department at ACH set aside two daysduring the month for individuals and groups to bring holiday toydonations to the hospital. A large storage space and extra volunteerswere provided to help with the unloading and storing ofthousands of gifts for the good boys and girls at the hospital.B98.5 radio, the Champions for Children Radiothon partner,broadcast live from the ACH lobby during the Festival of Stars toydrop-off days. In addition to thousands of toys, the hospitalreceived $5,338 in cash donations.During theFestival of Starsradio broadcastat ACH, ayoung visitordonated moneyto help providegifts for childrenwho werepatients in thehospital duringthe holidays.Ken Duke with Arkansas Children’sHospital Ambassador Shelby Clinton.Shelby, who has been treated at ACH forcancer, attended the Ken Duke CharityClassic reception with his family to sharethe story of their ACH experience. For thefirst time, Shelby, 11, told his own story,rather than his parents doing it, andreceived a standing ovation for his efforts.PGA Golfer and FormerACH Patient Hosts TournamentA host of PGA golfer Ken Duke’s friends and fans joined him at MaumelleCountry Club in late October for a reception party and auction to kick off the KenDuke Charity Classic. More than 16 teams participated in the charity golf outingthe next day.The event benefited Henderson State University, where Duke attended andplayed golf, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he was a patient as a teen.The event resulted in a contribution of more than $50,000 to be split evenlybetween the two institutions.Duke was diagnosed with scoliosis in 1982 and had to wear a back brace 23hours a day. Two years later, the condition was much worse and Duke underwentsurgery to attach a 16-inch metal rod to his spine to facilitate straightening thecurve. Upon release from his doctor, Duke returned to his high school golf team,where even with a back brace he won honors. In 1987, he won the Arkansas HighSchool Overall Golf Tournament.Duke turned professional in 1994 after a successful college golf career and currentlyplays on the PGA Tour.19