(Kids Wish Network) Margo said that a father told her that his daughter’s dream is to be on American Idol and that meeting Justin Guarini and getting a picture taken with him was the highlight of her magical day.
Celebrity Appearances Help Make Event a Success
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DECEMBER 08, 2009
Kids Wish Network

With the help of JAKKS Pacific, CDI, and some special celebrity appearances, the 2009 Kids Wish Network’s Holiday of Hope party at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia was a huge success.
The purpose of the Holiday of Hope party, which takes place at different children’s facilities across the country, is to provide children who have been undergoing treatment with a break from the daily struggles they face. It is also a chance for the siblings of the sick children who oftentimes feel neglected or left out due to the attention given to their siblings to feel special and have a day of fun.
“I think that if we can do anything to distract the kids from their treatments or operations or sickness for just a couple of hours it is all worth it,” said Kids Wish Network Facility Coordinator Margo Carter.
The magical event, which took place at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia on Dec. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m., entertained about 250 kids with a DJ, food, games, face painting and special appearances by former American Idol star Justin Guarini, Monica Devlin – the Philadelphia football cheerleaders PR agent and former cheerleader – and other Philadelphia football cheerleaders, Dora the Explorer, Elmo and Sponge Bob. Former star defensive lineman for the Eagles Brandon Whiting also attended the event.
“All of the guest appearances really helped make the event special,” said Wish Department Manager Madeline Robinson. “The kids absolutely loved meeting Justin [Guarini] and he interacted with them so well. He has worked with us in the past and he definitely knows how to get a party started! He danced with all of the kids and made each one feel special.”
Margo said that a father told her that his daughter’s dream is to be on American Idol and that meeting Justin Guarini and getting a picture taken with him was the highlight of her magical day.
On top of the amazing appearances by the special celebrities, over $100,000 worth of toys were donated by JAKKS Pacific and CDI, and the toys were transported to the hospital by Megatrux, Inc. Each child who attended, along with their siblings, received a gift bag of toys both gender and age appropriate. These toys were the icing on the cake for these brave children, and brought so much joy to their lives.
Kids Wish Network Distribution Department Manager Ashley Pardue was one of many volunteers who helped hand out the gift bags to the children at the event. She said that many of the children were thrilled about the toys they received.
“It was the best job to have at the event,” Ashley said. “It made me feel very happy and very proud to be making this such a special day in their lives. There were kids in wheelchairs, on crutches, in beds and some kids just running in excitedly. The party was awesome.”
Barbara Askin, Director of the Distribution Center at Kids Wish Network said she loves attending events like these.
“I love the direct contact with the children and seeing their smiles when they get their precious toys. Seeing their smiles is worth all the work it takes to get the toys for them,” she said.
Stephanie Spagnola, public relations specialist at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia, enjoyed attending the event as well.
“The Holiday of Hope party was fantastic for our patients and their families, lots of laughing, dancing and eating. It was such an incredible time. Kids Wish Network put on a great event for those at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia,” she said.
Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. For more information on Kids Wish Network’s programs, please visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org. If you know of a facility that could benefit from Kids Wish Network’s Holiday of Hope Gift Bank Program, please call (727) 937-3600 or toll free at (888) 918-9004.
Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following sponsors for making the 2009 Holiday of Hope a possibility: AirTran, Amazing Face Painting, American Expediting Courier Service, Applebee’s, Bella Limousine, Bon Bon’s Parties and Events, Brandon Whiting, Buttercream Cupcake Lady, CDI, Chick-Fil-A, Circus Time Amusements & Entertainment, Creations by Beth, Cutting Edge Entertainment, DAlessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies, Jake’s Philadelphia Cheesesteaks, JAKKS Pacific, Inc., J.P. Tee’s Custom Sportswear, Justin Guarini, Majestic Images LLC, Monica Devlin, Peace A Pizza, Philadelphia Football Cheerleaders, Sharon’s Balloons, Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, Tasty Baking Company/TastyKake, Taylor’s Bar and Grill, TGI Friday’s Center City, The Megatrux Companies, The Naz Group/PR Designs, The Port Richmond Home Depot, Video-Theater.com, Walnut Hill College, Public House
Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, without financial obligation to patients or their families. Shriners Hospitals for Children relies on the generosity of donors to deliver this mission every day. For more information, please visit www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Philadelphia/