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Spring/Summer 2018

In This IssueThoughts from the President

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More From Table TalkPage 3

The Importance of Volunteering Page 4 - Page 5

Storyland GalaPage 6 & Page 7

Guild News & EventsPage 8 & Page 9

Letter from the Executive DirectorPage 9

Save The DateSeptember 15-16

North Oaks Rummage SaleNorth Oaks Guild II

September 24Swing for the Children

Woodbury Guild

September 27Soups on for KidsNight Owls Guild

October 8Surly Brewery EventLunch Bunch Guild

November 17-18Holiday Home TourNorth Oaks Guild I

November 17-18North Oaks Holiday Gala

North Oaks Guild I

CHA’s signature spring event saw great growth this year as Table Talk soared to new levels. Returning to Mendakota Country Club for the second straight year, guests laughed with Emcee and long time conversationalist Lorna Landvik while raising invaluable funds for programs at Children’s Minnesota.

Everything from the decorations and silent auction to the conversations and networking opportunities provided a memorable day for those in attendance. This year saw a mix of converstionalists including Instagrammer Kim Ly Curry and international hockey sisters Hannah and Marissa Brandt, as well as some familiar faces like Sharon Sayles Belton, Echo Bodine, and Leah McLean.

Sweet Martha returned this year as a conversationalist, and also provided buckets of Sweet Martha’s Cookies as dessert for the guests.

Thank all of those in attendance for their generosity and support of this wonderful event and CHA as a whole. Your participation in Table Talk year after year guarantees CHA Pledge Programs like Children’s Minnesota Community Connect, Spiritual Care On-Call and Midwest Children’s Resource Center continue to get the crucial funding they need.

We also want to thank our Presenting Sponsor Hubbard Broadcasting for their continued support. A big thanks goes out to our distinguished sponsors Twin Cities Pioneer Press, Spaces Magazine, Central Marketing Solutions, Sears Imported Autos and Sweet Martha’s Cookies. Finally, thank you to our Champion, Leadership and Table Sponsors for your dedication, we are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year! (More on Page 3)

Table Talk’s 15th year!

Table Talk guests greeting this year’s amazing group of conversationalists!

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Board of Directors:Nicole Albrecht

Debbie Andrews

Dan Batten

Mary Boss

Robin Bristol

Courtney Cardwell

Carol Evans

Ellen Gillespie

Karen Graden

Erin Herman

Emma Johnson

Pam Kellenberger

Christy Kramer

Tara Lashley

Todd Loudenslager

Lynn Mandle

Kayla Miller

Molly Schaefer

Marilyn Schultz

Cindy Schweizer

Martha Severson

Jo Ann Weber

Affiliate Members:Connie Aram

Karen Clapper

Nancy Colvin

Patricia Commers

Livia Dahl

Darcy Frederickson

Connie Merz

Virginia Meuers

Marsha Tofte - Robin Bristol2018 CHA President

Happy Summer! What a wonderful first half of 2018 it has been! So many good things have happened! Our Guilds have knocked it out of the park this year and there is so much more to come. Our brand new Westside Guild hosted an event called “Art with Heart.” They bravely changed things up a bit this year and in spite of it being one of the worst weather nights of the year, had a completely entertaining and successful event. The Woodbury Guild hosted “Eat, Give, Play” for the first time and together, kids and their families had a great time and raised money on a beautiful summer evening. And most recently the Lunch Bunch Guild held another “Country Garden Luncheon.” They have finely tuned this event and seem to make it more fun and uniquely beautiful each year. Look for all kinds of fun Guild events yet this year!

We did set aside an evening just to thank and honor ALL the Guilds at the 7 Vines Winery in early July. We just can’t say “THANK YOU” enough. We are grateful for the time and energy they put into their volunteerism. Their willingness to juggle work time and family time with the Guild meetings and activities is truly appreciated. Thank you all.

And there are more exciting events being planned! Onward to a new and improved Gala! We are going to surprise you with a whimsical bit of fun this year! We have answered your requests to freshen the format and create a more mission-driven event. Storyland Gala…The Journey Continues will be on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the RiverCentre. You won’t want to miss it! Adventure is the central theme this year and you will hear stories of friendship, bravery, and strength! This is your chance to be a part of helping us fulfill our mission to support all the programs and services that make Children’s MN great! We need your help to ensure that the Autism Tools Kits continue to be available. That Music Therapy continues, lending a simple song can have amazing benefits for a sick child working so hard to heal, relax or sleep better. These are just a couple of examples of how you help the tens of thousands of children we touch each year. You’ll find more details in this newsletter.

Thank you for all your past and future support!

See you at the Gala!

Thoughts from the President...

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More From Table TalkChampion SponsorCentral Marketing Solutions

Karen and Jim Clapper

Leadership SponsorsConnie and George AramDancing Dragonfly Winery

JoAnn and Kelly GriffinLinda and Harry Haluptzok

Sears Imported AutosPatti Smith

Jo Ann and Keith Weber

Table SponsorsDebbie and Art Andrews

Robin Bristol and Gary OftedahlMarsha Burgeson

Children's Minnesota FoundationSharyn and Allen Duce

Connie and Marcus MerzAnne Obst

Sandy and Carla Warner of Warners’ Stellian

Distinguished Sponsors

P resenting Sponsor

Additional Support

Photo Captions: 1) Belinda Jensen, Amelia Santaniello, Leah McLean and Julia Cobbs 2) Conversations over lunch with Sharon Sayles Belton 3) Emcee Lorna Landvik and her ukulele

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Appearing on our Blog The Importance of Volunteering

By Sarah Boyum

For the past 30 years Abby Felitto has watched her mom Cindy Schweizer coordinate bike-a-thons, bazaars and Summer Solstice parties to raise money for Children’s Hospital Association, a non-profit that supports Children’s Minnesota.

Over time Felitto has taken an interest in the organization, becoming what its leaders hope will soon be part of the next generation of supporters. She attends the Children’s Hospital Association’s annual fundraising gala and the annual Table Talk fundraising luncheon, which features conversation with guests including the likes of Amelia Santaniello, Vineeta Sawkar, and author and entertainer, Lorna Landvik.

Through its efforts, the Children’s Hospital Association raises nearly $1 million a year to support Children’s Minnesota. The dollars specifically fund projects that make a child’s stay and a family’s visit to the hospital, more comfortable; mainly those programs and projects that insurance often doesn’t directly cover.

“Children’s Hospital Association is our largest cumulative donor,” said Annie Waters, interim chief

development officer for the Children’s Minnesota Foundation. “They’ve given nearly $23 million over the course of 85 years.”

Those dollars go to everything from innovative research and cutting-edge technology for the hospital to creating a rooftop garden for patients and their families to get outside during their hospital stay and toolkits to help doctors and nurses provide improved care for kids with autism.

Felitto sees the organization as a way to get involved and support kids. She worked at Children’s Minnesota right out of college as a concierge.

“Seeing the families these dollars impact is so uplifting and so inspiring,” she said. “These families are going through some of the hardest times of their lives and knowing they have extra support and access to extra tools and resources available through Children’s Hospital Association makes it easier on them.”

Jon Pratt is the executive director for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and said new volunteers who get involved with organizations like Children’s Hospital Association may receive benefits they never expected.

“This can be one of the more rewarding experiences of their lives, to be involved with something larger than their friends and family,” Pratt said. “People get a chance to use their talents and gifts in a way they don’t get to in their jobs or home life.”

Volunteering, he said, allows people to make truly valuable connections while improving the lives of those in their community.

“Groups like the Children’s Hospital Association are a demonstration of that community interest and concern for the future,” Pratt said.

Woodbury Guild members enjoying the All Guild Event at 7 Vines Vineyard

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Cindy Schweizer has been volunteering with Children’s Hospital Association since 1982. She is a member of the Mahtomedi Guild, a neighborhood branch of the Children’s Hospital Association.

When her kids were little she said the guild provided a convenient place to volunteer right in her neighborhood. She worked side by side with her fellow guild members to coordinate events and fundraisers. She started attending meetings once a month and said 36 years later she’s developed some of her closest friendships through Children’s Hospital Association.

“Volunteers get to choose how much time they’d like to invest,” she said. “The time commitment can be minimal and still have a big impact.”

For her, the involvement was life-changing.

“It gave my life perspective and balance,” she said. “It forces you to realize there are people out there who need your help, we get so busy with our own lives…we forget.”

The Children’s Hospital Association guilds are spread throughout the Twin Cities metro and into the suburbs. Guilds exist in cities including St. Paul, North Oaks, Mendota Heights, Vadnais Heights,

Roseville, the northern suburbs, Woodbury, Shoreview and White Bear Lake. Each guild is open to the public and made up of area members, each one hosts its own fundraising and social events each year.

Events range from hosting craft beer tastings and neighborhood garden parties to rummage sales, soup potlucks and an annual home tour. The current members say they’re not only looking for creative new ideas to raise money, but they’re also looking for new members to keep the Children’s Hospital Association going strong.

“This is an 85-year-old organization built on people who decided to make a difference with their time and volunteerism,” says Erin Bursch, Executive Director of CHA. “We still rely on the people who want to roll up their sleeves and dig in and raise money together for children’s health.”

The Children’s Hospital Association was started in 1933 by 24 women who came together to help pay $1,632 in medical bills for families who couldn’t afford care. The effort saved the hospital, and the Children’s Hospital Association maintains those deep roots today.

“We have plenty of opportunities for people to see our good work in action,” Bursch said. “We know people want to see their efforts make an impact immediately, they want to get involved and they want to see the difference they can make instead of writing a check and walking away; Children’s Hospital Association allows people to do that.” Head to www.cha4kids.org to learn about more ways to get involved and be a part of this wonderful community of volunteers!

Mahtomedi Guild in 2017 at their 35th Anniversary Party

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Storyland Gala...The Journey Continues

New feel, same great fun for an amazing cause!

Join CHA on October 27 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre for a

magical night. Help to CHAnge kids’ lives and end each story with...

happily ever after!

Log on to cha4kids.org for details!

Honorary Chair: Vineeta Sawkar Former news anchor &

Sr. Media Relations Manager, University of St. Thomas

Gala Committee: Debbie Andrews, Connie Aram, Robin Bristol,

Patti Commers, Karen Graden, Stacy Jacobson, Christy Kramer, Virginia Meuers, & Jo Ann Weber

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Sponsorship opportunitues and VIP Tickets available now!

Head to www.cha4kids.org for details or to register.

General admission tickets will go on sale September 1, keep an eye out for updates!

Join usOn this adventure-filled journey...

VIP guests will walk the Green Carpet with Graham Annable, Academy Award-nominated animator, creative of movies such as Coraline and Box Trolls, to name only a few. We will also be celebrating Graham’s new graphic novel for young readers, Peter and Ernesto, a Tale of Two Sloths.

Guests with VIP tickets will also be treated to a reception before the event that will include a wine and spirit tasting curated by Leslee Miller of Aumsèe. Leslee is a dually certified Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is also the co-founder and owner of a national wine club called Sip Better. Miller and Honorary Chair Vineeta Sawkar are both also regulars as conversationalists at CHA’s Table Talk event each spring!

All attendees will be treated to a strolling dinner with multiple food stations and cocktail experience, followed by a sweet dessert and seated program with some very special guests as Children’s Minnesota’s Star

Studio Celebrity Eriq Nelson (aka The Dude) leads us on a wonderful adventure!

Thank you to Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation for being this year’s Fund-A Need Sponsor. The evening’s Fund-A-Need will go to support patient-centered services that meet each child’s unique emotional, developmental and social needs. This effort continues CHA’s legacy of supporting work that helps reduce the stress of a hospital stay or clinic visit by funding programs such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Pet Therapy, Star Studios, Chaplaincy On Call, and Charity Care.

Graham Annable

Leslee Miller

Eriq Nelson as The Dude

Eriq Nelson

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Continued Support Guild News and Events

CHA has 10 active guilds located throughout the Twin Cities. Current guild fundraisers vary widely in type and have something fun for everyone! All guild members work toward the same goal as friends of CHA and in an effort to raise funds and help provide a positive health care experience for all children. Log onto www.cha4kids.org and click the Join a Guild tab to learn more or check out the online calendar by clicking on the Attend an Event tab and find an upcoming event near you!

Lunch Bunch Guild:

Congratulations! The Lunch Bunch Guild is celebrating a milestone anniversary of 15 years dedicated to helping raise funds for programs and services at Children’s Minnesota. Thank you to the Lunch Bunch Guild for your service, your dedication and your commitment to CHAnging kids’ lives!

The Lunch Bunch Guild was founded in 2003 by individuals serving on the Children’s Hospital Association Board. They organized a group of dynamic, service-oriented women who embraced the mission of CHA. The Guild quickly established their signature event, a garden luncheon. This event has been held in outstanding locations, from an elegant home on Summit Avenue, to a charming home on White Bear Lake, to a flower farm in Stillwater. The group also has had great success in recent years with events at breweries, the latest at Surly. This year another special fundraiser, “Trees and Treats” will be repeated at a festive home in Dellwood. The home features dozens of amazing Christmas trees and the treats are spectacular as well.  The Guild’s events are always special and, with thanks to our supporters, are always successful fundraisers. Each December the Guild also has a social event for its members. For a number of years, the Guild assisted with the Great Clips Charity Golf Classic. Guild membership is throughout the metro so wherever you live, you are welcome to join!

You are invited to join the Lunch Bunch Guild for their popular Surly Brewing Event on Monday, October 8, 2018. Enjoy beverages, food, and fun!!! Tickets are $50 ($25 tax deductible). Register online at www.cha4kids.org or send a check payable to CHA Lunch Bunch by October 1 to: Sharyn Duce at 1981 Marywood Lane, West St. Paul, MN 55118

Lunch Bunch Guild 2014 Garden Luncheon

Westside Guild

The Westside Guild is seeking artists to participate in the 8th Annual Art with Heart event which will be held Friday, April 26, 2019.

If you know an artist who you think would be willing to share their talents (jewelry, pottery, sculpture, wood, glass, textile, etc.) please contact Carol Evans at cbevans1@comcast.net.

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Mark Your Calendars Upcoming Guild EventsSeptember 15-16 - North Oaks Rummage SaleNorth Oaks Guild II

September 24 - Swing for the ChildrenWoodbury Guild

September 27 - Soups on for KidsNight Owls Guild

October 8 - Surly Brewery EventLunch Bunch Guild

November 17-18 - Holiday Home TourNorth Oaks Guild I

November 17-18 - North Oaks Holiday GalaNorth Oaks Guild I

Dear Friends,

It’s that time of year where as members of CHA we’re working to fit in time with family and friends during the last months of summer and also planning the next big fundraiser, meeting, or gala. Trying to make the most of our busy days can start to feel overwhelming. As many of us experienced at the All Guild event on July 10th, sometimes it’s good to take a moment to reconnect and welcome the opportunity to reflect on the impact we’re making.

Already CHA has….

• Helped 1,223 patients receive care from the Midwest Children’s Resource Center. Of these patients, 542 children were in the process of healing from trauma due to sexual abuse. CHA helped MCRC answer call for an increase

of service from our community of nearly 12% over last year.

• Supported 82 families in coping with crises or trauma as they were comforted by the Chaplaincy on Call Program.

• Provided 1,984 patients with access to tune into Channel 13, Star Studios, to be entertained, laugh, and play games with all all-star cast of beloved characters who brighten everyone’s day.

• Assisted more than 600 children receive the support that only Music Therapy can provide. Included among these patients were 113 infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It’s only because of CHA that Children’s Music Therapists were able to increase their services by 50% over last year.

You’ve done a lot in 2018 and we’re just getting started. As always, I hope you feel inspired by the results of your efforts and will continue to join your fellow CHA members in building a stronger community.

Sincerely,

- Erin Bursch CHA Executive Director

A letter from the Executive Director...

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Keep an eye out for a special Tribute Edition Newsletter coming this Fall!

Thank you for your continued support of CHA!!