The Department of Radiology’s clothing sale is a fundraiser aimed at supporting several charities including the Henry Vilas Zoo and the American Family Children’s Hospital Patient and Family Fund.
A newly formed committee, Radiology Rock Stars, is holding this first-time fundraiser wherein a portion of the funds from the clothing sale are donated directly to the two charities.
The group, comprised of various non-management staff from UWHC Radiology, aims to encourage employees to be active contributors to patient and family-centered care and to foster teamwork between departments through various activities and fundraisers.
Based on employee feedback, the group decided to design a fundraiser geared toward pediatric patients.
The Henry Vilas Zoo hosts “Dreamnight at the Zoo,” an exclusive event for a select number of pediatric patients from American Family Children’s Hospital, Meriter, and St. Mary’s. These patients and their families attend an after-hours tour of the zoo that includes a meet and greet with a penguin chick, porcupines, and goats. Entertainment and special activities like a bounce house and face painting are also available.
Funding provided to the AFCH Patient and Family Fund can provide several important services to families. This includes family meals served at no charge so parents do not need to leave their children at meal time, car safety seats to a family who otherwise could not afford one, and wigs or makeovers for children who have lost their hair through treatment.
“A clothing sale always goes over well with the staff,” said event coordinator Trisha Hardy, who stressed the importance of the event to families who want their children to feel unselfconscious even though they are experiencing medical issues.
The fundraiser is ongoing through May 30, and located at G3/334 next to the Radiology Conference Room.