'25 in 25'
As you know this year, Shriners Children’s New England is celebrating 100 years at our Springfield Clinic. Over the years Shriners Children’s New England has treated a vast number of pediatric patients for polio, orthopedics, scoliosis and neuromuscular conditions. They transformed many smiles through the cleft lip and palate program. Shriners Children’s New England continued evolving their services to include sports injuries, physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy.
I’m excited to hear that this year they are adding a “triage burn clinic” and a “helmet program” for babies with cranial deformities.
With that being said, my project for 2025 is “General Patient Care”. The hospital has transformed into a clinic and there are many positive changes happening. My goal is to raise $25,000.00. Hence, the slogan “25 in 25”. This way anything raised will go where it’s needed most at the clinic.
My theme will be a “Birthday Celebration”. I am hoping to do a menagerie of fundraising throughout the year.
To start out my endeavor, I will have my First Lady’s Pin with a picture of “Sprinkles” the clown holding a birthday cake with the saying “Melha Supporting 100 Years of Patient Care” around the top and “1925-2025” on the bottom.
We will also have our Second Annual First Lady’s Project Mardi Gras Quarter Auction March 1st. First Lady 2024 Wendy Cote has graciously offered to help with this. So look for the flyer and get your Mardi Gras gear ready. It’ll be here before you know it !
In the spring, there will be the First Lady’s Garden Party at Interstate Building Supply in Westfield. You can get all your garden and yard supplies there. Mike Dewberry kindly donates a certain percent of his sales to the First Lady’s project.
In September, watch for my country western hoedown – get out your boots! More events to follow sharing the awesome changes taking place at the Springfield Clinic.
I’m sure I can count on your dedication to continue our mission of philanthropy. Let’s keep driving forward towards another 100 years of exceptional patient care for our children!!
— Sandy Parker – 2025 Melha Shriners First Lady
