Why We Walk: CCHMC Champs—Mental Health Team
It fills your bucket.
That’s how Krista Keehn, RN, Project Manager, Department of Psychiatry describes participating in Cincinnati Walks for Kids—the medical center’s largest community fundraiser. “The walk is such a great way to take the time to celebrate who we are and our impact on the community,” she shares. “I always feel really proud on walk day.”
Krista’s team, CCHMC Champs—Mental Health, has participated in all 17 Cincinnati Walks for Kids and are excited to carry on their tradition for this year’s event. Her team raises money for the Department of Psychiatry, and she sees first-hand the impact of the walk on their daily work.
“Funds from the walk help us supply our art rooms and gyms and so much more,” Krista says. “And for the last couple of years, our team has dedicated our fundraising to the campaign for the College Hill Campus enhancements, which will completely transform and enhance the care we provide to our families.”
The walk is also a great way to connect with your colleagues outside of work. “People bring their families, and you get to see kids grow up from year to year,” she smiles. “After the walk, we’ll go out to lunch together and just make a day of it. It’s really nice.”
And while the CCHMC Champs—Mental Health Team has participated every year, there have been some walks when they didn’t have any actual feet on the ground.
“People have families and obligations and sometimes we can’t actually be there on walk day, but we always find a way to make our impact,” she says. “Whether it’s registering as a Virtual Walker or just simply getting out there and raising funds.”
This year, fundraising is getting a lot more FUN!
In addition to the walk shirt, every employee who raises $100 will receive THE must-have fashion item of the season: a long sleeve T-shirt celebrating YOU. Whether you show it off around the medical center or when you’re out and about in town, the message will be clear: you’re an above and beyond member of the Cincinnati Children’s team.
And don’t worry, the CWK team will help you get there with our handy-dandy fundraising kit.
From your own personal fundraising web page to sample emails and other tips, we’ve got you covered.
We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, April 22 at Coney Island. Registration opens at 7:30 am, and the walk will begin promptly at 9.
And after we get all our steps in, we have a great family celebration planned with inflatables, paddle boats, face painting, food trucks and more!
To register or donate, visit cincywalks.org and feel free to reach out to the walk team with any questions at events@cchmc.org.
