Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/875198
Having the right tools is crucial for providing the most optimized care—just ask the staff of the Children's erapy Center, part of Washington Health System. For years, the center relied on just a handful of outdated tablets to care for over 600 visitors each week. "We frequently use tablets as a tool for children's therapy," says John Mercer, CFRE, Director of Development at WHS Foundation. "ey're excellent tools because they make the therapy process seem less like work and more like a game. Plus, our therapists use them to organize and take notes." As volume continued to grow, something had to be done about the dwindling supply of usable tablets. A LONG-TIME SUPPORTER For decades, the Audia Caring Heritage Association has worked with the WHS Foundation to get resources to people and organizations that need them the most. "Each year, the Audia Caring Heritage Association holds a special event in which the proceeds go toward a charitable cause," Mercer says. "When we gave them a list of possible ways to help, they immediately gravitated toward our Children's erapy Center." With just one event, the Audia Caring Heritage Association was able to raise enough money to donate 30 new iPads to the Children's erapy Center. "is donation has been a big help as we no longer have to scramble to find an available tablet for therapy sessions," Mercer says. "It just goes to show that every gi matters and every gi has an impact on the people we serve." » TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP, VISIT WHS.ORG/ FOUNDATION AND CLICK "WAYS TO GIVE." ATHENA SARRIS IT'S AMAZING THE DIFFERENCE 30 iPADS CAN MAKE. Therapy for TOOLS A SWEET GIFT Every year, the Washington Health System Foundation recognizes an individual, business or group that embodies what it truly means to serve others. To accomplish this, they present the Distinguished Service Award. The 2017 winner, Athena Sarris of Sarris Candies, was honored at the annual Charity Ball. "Athena and her late husband, Frank Sarris, are not only long-time supporters of our health system, but they also give generous amounts of money and sweets to charities each year," says Natalie Chaido, Development Coordinator at Washington Health System Foundation. "This award is just one way we can show our appreciation to donors like Mrs. Sarris who make our programs and services possible." FALL 2017 | connections whs.org 15