Blythedale Nurses Sweet on Community: Raise Funds for Local Ronald McDonald House

May 18, 2011 - PRLog -- The nurses at Blythedale Children’s Hospital used Nurse Recognition Week to host a charity bake sale and baking contest, with proceeds to benefit Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley; an act marking their benevolence and commitment to community.  On Friday, May 13, representatives from Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla were delighted to receive a donation of $554.35 from the generous Blythedale community.

“We kicked off Nurse Recognition Week with a charity bake sale and baking contest, with a community partner to be the beneficiary,” said Judi Peacock, MPH, RN, WCC, Chief Nursing Officer for Blythedale Children’s Hospital.  “The nursing staff wanted to celebrate everything nurses do each day for patients and families, but also to give to the community in a different way then we do each day.”

The generous donation was graciously received by Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley Executive Director Marielena DiMatteo and Program Manager Meryl Laskin. The Valhalla organization provides housing to families of seriously ill or traumatically injured children at area hospitals. DiMatteo expressed her sincere thanks to the nurses who were present at the morning check presentation. “We are excited to have this partnership,” she said.  “You do enough for your own community here—to think of us is truly touching.”

More than 50 nurses and other employees participated in the bake sale on May 10.  Jean Soriano, RN, won bragging rights in the baking contest, with a banana bread entry.  The bake sale and contest will become an annual event for Blythedale to celebrate Nurse Recognition Week.

About Blythedale Children’s Hospital
Founded more than 100 years ago, Blythedale Children's Hospital has been a leader in developing innovative, multi-disciplinary inpatient and ambulatory programs, as well as a community resource for children with a variety of medical concerns and their families. Through its inpatient and day hospital programs, Blythedale Children's Hospital treats more than 300 children daily, making it one of the largest providers of children's services in New York State. In addition, the Hospital provides diagnosis and treatment for hundreds of outpatients with a wide range of medical difficulties. For more information about Blythedale Children's Hospital, visit www.blythedale.org

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Blythedale Children's Hospital is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis, care and treatment of children with complex medical and rehabilitative needs.

Photo Caption:
The nurses of Blythedale Children’s Hospital celebrated Nurse Recognition Week by hosting a charity bake sale and baking contest, selecting Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley as the beneficiary of the proceeds. Representatives from the local children’s charity graciously accepted a check for $554.35 from the nursing staff on Friday, May 13. From left: Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley Executive Director Marielena DiMatteo; Blythedale Chief Nursing Officer Judi Peacock, MPH, RN, WCC; Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley Program Manager Meryl Laskin; and Blythedale Chief Planning, Government Relations and Compliance Officer Regina Kelly.