Press Releases - 2006 FIFTH ANNUAL HOOP-A-PALUZA EVENT WILL ESTABLISH CHILD LIFE PROGRAM IN THE PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF NEW JERSEY AT Short Hills, NJ, September 26, 2006 - Hoop-A-Paluza, Inc. (HAPI), a New Jersey nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of children in New Jersey, will host its fifth annual fundraiser on Sunday, November 19 at noon, at Millburn High School, Millburn, NJ, to fully fund a new Child Life Program for the Pediatric Emergency Department at Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC), an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. Hoop-A-Paluza V, a family-friendly fundraising event that includes a basketball foul shot contest and carnival style entertainment, hopes to raise at least $250,000. Registered participants raise money by obtaining pledges from donors who sponsor them to shoot 20 free throws. Attendees will also enjoy contests, music, crafts, inflatable rides and many other activities throughout the afternoon. "Hoop-A-Paluza's generous support will enable Children's Hospital to provide Child Life Services to children and their families when they need it most - in the Emergency Department," says Dr. Neil Schambam, Vice Chair and Medical Director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. "Emergency situations are extremely difficult for children and their families, and Child Life Specialists will help enormously to ease their stress." The Pediatric Emergency Department at Children's Hospital of New Jersey is the busiest in the state with over 30,000 visits each year. Adding the Child Life Specialists in the Emergency Department will help children to understand their experience so that they feel secure. The Child Life Specialists will explain procedures in an age-appropriate way; play with and comfort children; and help them to relax or manage their pain until the doctor comes. "When we reviewed the numerous applications for this year's grant, we were very impressed with Newark Beth's reputation and the commitment of the Children's Hospital staff to making a difference in the Newark community," said Ed Zimmerman, Chair of Hoop-A-Paluza, Inc. "For many of this hospital's pediatric patients, the Emergency Department doubles as a primary care facility. The addition of a Child Life Program will ease the burden on the doctors and nurses so that they can continue to concentrate on the medical needs of their young patients." Hoop-A-Paluza is proud to help Children's Hospital of New Jersey reach its goals. For more information about Hoop-A-Paluza, please visit us on the web at www.hoopapaluza.org or contact us by email at ezimmerman@lowenstein.com. Date: September, 2006 [ top ] |
|
||||||
