As the sun rose over Disneyland Park, in California, this past October 19th thousands were already gathered on Main Street USA and thousands more were still arriving. These special guests gathered for one of the most unique fundraising events of the year. The CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland.
The goal of CHOC Walk is to raise money for Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The proceeds provide quality healthcare to the county’s one million children. This includes funding for research, education, and the kids care fund; which provides monetary help for low income families, so no child is left without health care.
This year 13,000 people participated in the CHOC Walk raising over $1.5 million for CHOC. Among them were 710 teams ranging from large and small corporations and businesses, to non profit organizations to private citizens and Disney enthusiasts, to CHOC patients, employees, as well as friends and family of current and former patients of CHOC who are there to help support each other as well as Children’s Hospital.
This year was the first year that DAPs Magic (www.dapsmagic.com) enrolled a team to help raise money for CHOC. It all started with one DAPs Staff member with a big heart for children Miss Monica Whitaker, who once worked for Children’s Hospital Central California. So having always wanted to take part in the CHOC Walk she found herself able to participate for the first time this year.
“When I worked at Children’s Hospital I enjoyed doing the fundraising for ‘Kid’s Day’, I developed a heart for sick children while I worked there. Some of my patients were transferred down here to CHOC for treatments.” explained Whitaker.
From here team DAPs Magic began, with Monica as the heart of the team. With only 8 members compiled of both staff and members of DAPs Magic each having their own reason to join the walk.
“I wanted to do the CHOC Walk because of my love to volunteer.” says participant Stephen Daly “I wanted to do this for me as well as the Children’s Hospital. My sister used a Children’s Hospital for my nephew and it saves lives.”
Though small in number Team DAPs Magic did manage to make their own impact in their fundraising efforts, and despite its late enrollment the team raised a total of 1,696.08. The highest amount of pledges went to Monica Whitaker totaling in $595.00 for her fundraising alone.
“I think it’s wonderful to see DAPs members working together to make the world a better place.” says DAPs Magic founder Robert Laird (Mr. DAPs). “I’m looking forward to future events with more people and more funds raised to help different charities. We have a lot of fun with DAPs but we can also be doing a lot of good for a lot of people! So why wouldn’t we?”
Another team that made a huge impact on CHOC Walk was Team Timmaree. This massive team came together in support of one little girl. Timmaree is a young cancer patient at CHOC. She heard about the CHOC Walk and brought up the idea of participating in it to her parents with the idea she could participate in it herself as well, but sadly by the time of the event her health was failing and she was far to sick to participate the day of the event. In her place was one of the largest teams at the event, ranking third place in fundraising with a staggering $25,776! This amazing team compiled of family, friends, and loved ones all gathered there to walk in the name of young Timmaree.
It’s because of patients like this young girl that people gather to support CHOC and it’s plain to see what the CHOC Walk is really about. It’s about community. People gathering together to help one another, support one another, and celebrate doing it. Charity, family, community, and progress were some of the things Walt Disney valued most. And some say his presence is felt most at times like these when his park, his name sake, and his beloved guests are a part of such a beautiful and honorable gathering.
The joy on the faces of the participants alone, prove this to be an amazing experience for all involved as participants, volunteers, and supporters. This is a must experience for any of you who want a new sort of Disney experience or who are supporters for the care of children. CHOC Walk in the Park truly puts the Bibbity Bobbity Boo back into Disney Magic.
“I have never felt so much positive energy concentrated in one place, it was truly amazing!” exclaimed Renata Bastos of team DAPs Magic, “I can’t wait for next year, I am definitely attending the CHOC Walk every year from now on.”
--------------------------------------------------------------
Please login to add a comment.
