Published on: 08/28/2012
Miami- Miami Children’s Hospital’s (MCH) in-house radio station, Radio Lollipop, celebrated its "Sweet Sixteen" Anniversary on August 14. The carnival-themed party included musical numbers by local performers, face painting, aricatures and even live jugglers.
Special guests who came out to bring some encouragement to the hospitalized children included Miami’s very own DJ Laz, who is a long-time supporter of Radio Lollipop and Alberto Sardiñas of Univision Radio’s Amor 107.5 FM in Miami. Sardiñas was recently named as a director on the USA Board for Radio Lollipop.
“This Sweet Sixteen celebration solidified that Radio Lollipop has some of the most passionate volunteers,” said Sardiñas. “It is through them that the mission is being accomplished year after year. Congratulations to the entire team and I look toward continued success in the future,” he said.
Radio Lollipop is made possible by volunteers from all over South Florida who donate their time to perform, engage and interact with patients at MCH. Over 40 Radio Lollipop volunteers made this years’ celebration a huge success by wearing colorful costumes and transforming the MCH playroom to ensure patients received the full “carnival” effect. Patients and guests were treated to popcorn, cotton candy, cheesecake and cupcakes while enjoying the games and entertainment.
“The spirit of giving was at its finest,” said Nuria Claramunt, Assistant Director of the Volunteer Resources Department at Miami Children’s Hospital. “Our patients and families were truly treated to a sweet dose of entertainment. This year’s accomplishments would not have been possible without the continued support from Radio Lollipop sponsors and volunteers,” she said.
Here is a complete list of this year’s Radio Lollipop Birthday Party sponsors:
Entertainment:
- DJ Michael Feria from Event Factor
- Elijah King (performer)
- Gus St. Anthony (caricaturist)
- Gymboree
- Manny Cartoon (caricaturist)
- Maribel Yartu from Fab Events (face painter)
- MMM (performers)
- Sprout from Perfect Party Rental (face painter)
- Stayc (performer)
Food:
- BJ’s
- Coca Cola Refreshments
- Donut Divas
- Lee & Marie’s
- Misha’s Cupcakes
- Pollo Campero
- Pop Chips
- Schakolad Chocolate Factory
- Shake Shack
- The Cheesecake Gallery
- Zico Pure Coconut Water
Goodie bags:
- State Farm Agent Javier Areas
- State Farm HERO Group
- Photographers:
- Monica de la Tejera
- Santy Martinez
For more information about Radio Lollipop please visit www.radiolollipop.org or www.mch.com.
About Radio Lollipop
Founded in England in 1979, today Radio Lollipop boasts a worldwide audience. This international, non-profit organization’s mission is to provide care, comfort, play and entertainment for children in the hospital. Radio Lollipop USA, whose headquarters are located at Miami Children’s Hospital, is the first interactive-in-house radio station in the United States. This program is staffed by volunteers and the day-to-day running operation of Radio Lollipop depends completely on charitable donations and on fundraising activities.
About Miami Children’s Hospital
Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Miami Children's Hospital® is South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with more than 650 attending physicians and over 130 pediatric sub-specialists. The 289-bed hospital is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with several specialty programs ranked among the best in the nation in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession’s most prestigious institutional honor.