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2009 LBFDKid’s Beach Fest at Miller Childrens Hospital
By frhayes | August 21, 2009
On Friday, August 20 2009 members from the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Kid’s program comprised of on-duty and off-duty members participated in the annual “Beach Fest Day” at Miller Children’s Hospital.
For this event a large conference room was transformed into a tropical beach setting, with the backdrop of a sizeable screen projecting moving fish amongst a coral reef. There were balloon dolphins floating through the air, plastic lobsters and crabs on the tables, kiddie pools on the floor, and even some food provided shaped in the form of sea creatures.
Members from the LBFDKid’s and Miller Hospital greeted the children wearing straw hats and leas, and then escorted the children to various different activities. Their first activity was to pick either a visor or plastic fire helmet to decorate which they wore throughout the event, and to receive their very own book bag, with “goodies” provided through the generous donations received by the LBFDKid’s . Pictures were then taken in grass skirts, between two blown up palm tress, and some of the children chose to hold or pet one of the two “comfort dogs” in their pictures
There were numerous games the children played, a face painting station, and even a large blown bubble presentation. This is a fun event, for the young and old, and the hospital staff was very gracious in expressing their gratitude for the LBFDKid’s participation at this event.
Various community partners were also in attendance to assist with the events activities including, Taylor Construction (currently working on the hospital renovation), the Aquarium of the Pacific, Children’s Wish Foundation, Assistance League of Long Beach, and “Make a Wish”.
The LBFDKid’s is now in it’s 11th year of existence, originally established by retired Captain David Holden and Deputy Chief Mike Garcia back in 1998, and is comprised of ALL members of the LBFD who participate. The mission of the LBFDKid’s is to enhance the lives and well being of the chronically ill children at Miller Hospital, through bringing smiles and laughter.
This program is a great opportunity for members of the LBFD to provide an atmosphere of caring, comfort, fun and enjoyment to each patient treated at Miller Children’s Hospital; and to enhance the LBFD’s presence in a non-threatening, non-emergent role within the community.
The next scheduled LBFDKid’s event is the “Halloween Trick or Treat Day” on Friday, October 31st from 8:30 to 1130 A.M. LBFDKid’s volunteers visit the rooms of all the children and then lead a parade throughout the hospital where children dressed in their costumes “Trick or Treat” throughout the facility.
For more information on this event, future programs e.g., Christmas Visit, or the LBFDKid’s organization please contact Captain Greg Curiel.
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