Twenty-one Starlight families cheered the Philadelphia 76ers to victory over the Miami Heat on March 15th. From watching warm-ups from the team bench, to munching on hot dogs and popcorn, and then taking team jerseys home as souvenirs- it was a fantastic afternoon for everybody. Special thanks to our Starlight volunteers Amanda, David and Debbie who distributed information about Starlight MidAtlantic and the Great Escapes program at the community awareness table during the game.
Our favorite photographer at Starlight MidAtlantic is the wonderfully talented Nick Strocchia, who takes countless pictures of our Great Escapes and Hospital Happenings. Last summer at a Great Escape at a Nationals Game he took a fantastic picture of Sophie, one of our liveliest and loveliest Starlight kids. The picture was truly gorgeous, and clearly others recognized Nick’s talents, as he won the Monthly Photo Contest for Alpha Mount World. Sophie is 4 1/2 year old brain tumor survivor that adds joy to all of the Great Escapes she attends. The photo Nick took truly captures her spirit, and I applaud his incredible work! You can check out more of his work at www.nickstrocchia.com
We are so lucky to have Nick as our photographer, and congratulate him!!
The winning photo!
http://www.alphamountworld.com/photography-news/monthly-photo-contest-6-winners
Our Philadelphia families spent last Saturday evening, February 28th, at the Wachovia Spectrum watching the Philadelphia Phantoms take on the Providence Bruins. Thanks to the team, one of our families had the opportunity to watch warm-ups from the pentalty box. The real excitement took place during the game with Brandon B. catching a team t-shirt in the stands (Nice catch!), a birthday announcement for Zakki S., and a special visit to our seats from Phlex, the team mascot, for pictures and autographs. After enjoying a snack of hot dogs, soda and popcorn, the group cheered the Phantoms to a 4-3 victory.
On Sunday March 1st, our families enjoyed a great rendition of the popular play, High School Musical. Our group of 75 started off the day with a delicious brunch with an array of breakfast and lunch choices such as eggs, bacon and French toast as well as salad, fruit and a carving station with turkey, roast beef, and ham. During Brunch, the families got a chance to meet Miss Teen Maryland as she circulated around our tables giving out some very cool High School Musical accessories, signing autographs, and taking pictures. To top off the tasty brunch, an Ice cream Sunday station was offered to all of our families where the kids were able to add their own personal favorite toppings to their dessert. We then got to watch our waiters and waitresses change into character and put on a fantastic rendition of High School Musical. The actors and actresses were energetic, funny and interactive as they danced and sang all around the stage. The great thing about the venue was that the seating surrounded the stage and was very close so that each member of the audience really felt like they were right there in the story. After a great show, the families enjoyed a meet and greet with the stars of the show so that the kids could get a picture with their favorite characters. It was truly a fantastic day filled with fun, laughs and great food and everyone left with a big smile!
Here is what some of the families had to say:
“Just wanted to say thank you for planning the event today. Katie had a great time. Brittany is an amazingly gracious ambassador, she was just lovely with all of the kids!” Amy Judlick, A Starlight MidAtlantic mom.
“It was fun! I liked it a lot! “When are we going again?” Madison & Jefferson, Starlight MidAtlantic kids.
“It was my first time at a dinner theatre. It was the best play I’ve seen in my life!”, Zane Mosby, Starlight MidAtlantic kid.
Miss Teen Maryland poses with Madison & Jefferson!
Lisa, Miss Teen Maryland & Kate!
Andrew & Anna dancing along.
The Price family having fun at the circus.
