What an awesome occasion to celebrate!
All East Georgia Regional Medical Center team members and families were invited to share and participate in a highly enjoyable, Halloween-themed social event last week. The total staff of approximately 1,100 and ALL departments were invited to participate. A total of approximately 500 kids, family members, employees and guests were in attendance.
Each department of the hospital participated actively with their own decorated booth. They chose a theme and costumed up appropriately. They offered fun games and of course had an abundance of candy for their prize winnings. This event took place on the patio off the dining room area of the hospital.
East Georgia Regional Medical Center provides generations of families with a higher medical standard close to home. They offer a range of classes and programs to help with your health concerns to lead healthier and happier lives.
BUT this night was not about them, as a hospital and medical facility. It was about their staff, their families, and the community. ‘Happy Hospital Halloween Family Fest’ began in 2020 as a ‘Trunk or Treat’ in the parking lot and repeated in 2021. As its popularity increased in 2022, EGRMC moved this event from the parking lot to the hospital cafe courtyard.
Vanissa Campbell, RN Employee Health Nurse at EGRMC, said, “The Fall Festival at the hospital is a fun way for employees to engage together across departments in a relaxed setting, get to know each other better, and show off our creative side. The BEST part is watching the kids’ faces as they play games and get candy!”
FUN GALORE! Music was blaring and a carnival-like atmosphere entertained all.
Each department of the hospital was well represented. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ including Alice, The White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts were all present. The cast of the Little Mermaid was there, too, and the administrative department represented ‘Barbie Land.’ I heard someone say ‘Everyone can be a Barbie!” Cowboy Ken, Malibu Barbie, Working Barbie: you name it, they were for the party.
Cowboy Ken, also known as Stephen Pennington, CEO, and the EGRMC team were thoroughly involved, snapping pictures and engaging with everyone from the tiniest baby to the most senior adult. Cowboy Ken guided me to the dining room where there was an abundance of delicious sweet treats including Rice Krispies squares, sugar cookies with icing, pigs in a blanket, chips, popcorn, and the best of all: the ‘Chocolate Fountain’ with huge campfire marshmallows for dipping. (I might have seen a little bit of fruit, but my eye was on those marshmallows.)
The dining room had ample seating to accommodate the families, guests, and children. All Halloween dreams came true!
Beautifully carved and creatively designed pumpkins were also on display. Each department was the pumpkin designer. Who will be the winner??
Stephen Pennington, CEO and Cowboy Ken, said, “Everyone works in demanding and stressful jobs, and it is nice to be able to spend a special night having a fun time with kids and family.” And yes, it definitely was special!!
This was an event that everyone was TOTALLY INVOLVED in, to be sure that every ‘Halloween Family’ had a FUN time and left with smiles of joy and baskets full of treats. Highly Impressive! Encouraging and uplifting!
Thank you, EGRMC, for an amazing time. Hope we will do it again in 2024!!
