Spirit of Children fundraiser raises $34,981 for Golisano Children's Hospital
The Floridant/10297015

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- Spirit Halloween recently presented a $34,981 check to the Child Life professionals of Golisano Children's Hospital. The funds were raised during the Spirit of Children campaign held last October. The company also gifted $7,500 in costumes, decorations and crafts – helping to make the hospital less scary and a little more fun for the children hospitalized during the holiday.

Each year, Spirit Halloween stores offer 10% off purchases both in stores and online and then donates the proceeds to participating Child Life programs at neighboring hospitals for Child Life Month in March. The annual Spirit of Children campaign has raised more than $476,000 for Golisano Children's Hospital since 2007.

Spirit of Children aims to make hospitals less intimidating for pediatric patients and their families by supporting Child Life programs that create a more comfortable, engaging environment. Donations from Spirit Halloween stores and vendor partners help fund:

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Hiring essential Child Life Specialists
Purchasing sensory and educational items as well as adaptive toys and medical teaching dolls
Supporting art, music, canine, and horticulture therapy programs
Constructing and renovating playrooms, playgrounds, teen lounges and family spaces.

"We feel a deep sense of pride and privilege in our ability to support the critical work of Child Life at 161 partner hospitals across North America through Spirit of Children," said Rick Tereo, director of Spirit of Children Foundation. "Our fundraising efforts enable Child Life Specialists to provide therapeutic and emotional healing, education, and coping to young patients, while doctors and nurses focus on medical treatment."

The Child Life program at Golisano Children's Hospital helps pediatric patients navigate their hospital experience with as much normalcy as possible while receiving essential medical care. Services include playroom and bedside activities, preparation for medical procedures, educational support for homebound students, and special events like pet therapy and visits from clowns.

To learn more about the Child Life program at Golisano Children's Hospital and ways to make a difference for young patients, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/ChildLife.