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September 5, 2007
Marquette General Women’s and Children’s Center Hosts
Children’s Health and Safety Fair September 15
Celebration and Check Presentation from Kohl’s Department Stores
The Women’s and Children’s Center at Marquette General is partnering with the Marquette General Foundation and local agencies to hold a Children’s Safety and Injury Prevention Fair Saturday, September 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the U.P. Children’s Museum in Marquette. The Children’s Museum will have a free admission day to encourage all families to participate.
To kick off the event at 1 p.m., a check from Kohl’s Department Stores will be presented to the Women’s & Children’s Center and the Marquette General Foundation for the upcoming year of Kohl’s Cares for Kidsâ grant-funded projects and programming. The amount of this year’s funding will be announced during the check presentation.
The Children’s Fair is a kick-off event for this year’s Women’s & Children’s Center Safe & Healthy Families Campaign, one of several KCK-sponsored programs.
Partnering agencies for this year’s Children’s Safety Fair include the U.P. Partnerships for Safety and Marquette-Alger Safe Kids, who are supporting the event by providing free bike helmets, and helmet safety checks.
The Marquette General Trauma Center will also participate in helmet safety checks, and provide pedestrian and bike safety education. There will also be a helmet raffle and refreshments.
Members of the local Kohl’s Department Store A-Team (employees who volunteer in a wide-variety of community events) will also participate in the event.
Connie Koutouzos, program director of the MGH Women’s and Children’s Center said, “This is our fifth year to be the designated recipient of the funds raised through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids ® program. It’s a real privilege to be able to steward these resources for the benefit of families across the region.”
Koutouzos said the Kohl’s funding, along with partnerships with local agencies, has allowed the Women’s and Children’s Center to provide children’s injury prevention programs such as bike rodeos, ski and snowboard safety classes, and car seat safety programs. A high-risk newborn care project; pediatric patient and family education activities; and the purchase of specialized equipment for the NICU have also been accomplished.
“We’re helping families to build good health and safety habits into their daily lives,” Koutouzos said. “It’s an honor to partner in the Kohl’s Cares for Kids ® program and work with local safety agencies to provide these important services to families.”
Since 2003, when Kohl’s opened its Marquette store, the MGH Women’s and Children’s Center has received almost $70,000 in proceeds from the sale of Kohl’s Cares for Kids ® plush toys and books.
In 2007-2008, the funding from Kohl’s will be used to sponsor school visits by a paramedic from the Upper Michigan Trauma Center to engage children in learning about safety issues such as helmet use and safety on motorized vehicles.
“Kohl’s introduced the Kohl’s Cares for Kids ® program to promote children’s health and educational opportunities, and is committed to playing an active role in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gardner, senior vice president of marketing for Kohl’s Department Stores. “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve created to benefit children across the country, and are excited to join Marquette General Hospital in this endeavor.”
Kohl’s commitment to Marquette General is made possible through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids ® program, which raises funds for children’s health and educational opportunities through the sale of special gift items. Net profits from the sales go to support children’s health and educational opportunities in the market areas served by Kohl’s. Kohl’s community outreach also includes Kohl’s Kids Who Care ®, an annual youth volunteer recognition program, fundraising gift cards for local schools and non-profit youth groups, as well as an associate program to encourage volunteerism.
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced national, exclusive and private brand apparel, shoes, accessories, home products and beauty in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl’s operates 749 stores in 43 states. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit Kohl’s Web site at kohls.com.
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