OL4020 Project
Introduction
For the last ten to twelve weeks, I have had the privilege to serve at Dayton Children’s Hospital, with the Donor Engagement team, specifically the TWIGS group. This organization’s vision is to reinvent the path to children's health for families throughout Dayton and the United States. According the Dayton Children’s (2017), their mission is “relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach.”
The organization works tirelessly to bring awareness of their hospital, linked surrounding organizations that support it and to better the future and health of the children who walk thru their doors. Dayton Children’s provides services for a vast range of primary and specialty health care services for infants, children and teens. I had the privilege to volunteer at and also attending multiple fundraising events as well as virtual meetings with the various TWIG organization. TWIGS (Terrific Women in Giving) Group have over 17 branches throughout the Miami Valley with over 250 members that support Dayton Children’s thru various fundraising events such as; auctions, luncheons, community sales, Christmas tree auctions, fashion shows, purse auctions, virtual BINGO just to name a few. I also found out threw chatting with a few members that some of the TWIG members also donate their time IN the hospital for such events as Secret Santa, special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events for the parents but most recently an Easter craft event for the children and their families who were not able to leave the hospital due to extended stay of their child. Although I did not get to interact with every member or all 17 branches I did get to meet a few members and a few of the branches. I loved listening to their own personal perceptions of the work they do for Dayton Children’s and I left my few week stint feeling proud of have linked arms with just an amazing organization. The fulfillment in my heart as I walked away from each event and hearing the final numbers being donated back to the hospital blew my mind and I have such appreciation for all the work those groups do.
Leadership Practice
Encourage the Heart was more evident within Dayton Children's Hospital's Organization -- the way they pour not only into the children but also in the amazing support staff from the tippy top to the entry level staff is amazing. They have many awards and acknowledgments that they always do for their staff regarding their service but what I loved most was the way the Donor Engagement took matters into their own hands as a department and created a "treat cart" that is taken around the various areas of the hospital to say THANK YOU to the amazing staff for all they do.