out volunteers, sponsors and fr wsletter ab iends to p 09 A ne romote Rad ber 20 io Lollipop in the community • Decem Radio Lollipop Years Celebrates13 of Smiles! Thank You Sponsors!

Be Organic Cookie Monster came The birthday cake! UM’s Sebastian and to celebrate. his new friends.

adio Lollipop’s birthday No Hollywood-themed party would Samay Belly Dancers R party on August 13th, 2009 be complete without the presence brought a real sense of Hollywood of celebrities. Special appearances to Children’s Hospital. Party were made by DJ Laz, Black Dada, Divine Delicacies attendees found themselves Da Pretty Boyz, Los Primeros, in a fully decorated, Alejandra Alberti, Miami Hollywood-themed Hurricanes’ Sebastian, Trevor Cedar playroom bustling Cookie Monster and the with people, activity crowd favorite, Elmo. M i stations and food. re The Samay belly dancers id y a There was definitely nd put on an unforgettable DJ something for everyone! Laz. performance in the Playroom Participants were greeted with and in the hallways! The patients arts and crafts, a wall to leave their unable to leave their rooms received handprints, face painting, cotton special attention from celebrities and candy and sno cones, delicious food were serenaded by the harmonious Black Dada & Da Pretty Boyz help DJ Laz from Be Organic, freeze dance games, melodies of a local high-school present the Radiothon check. and karaoke. musical group, the Testastorones. The 13th annual Radio Lollipop Party concluded with the presentation of a donation by DJ Laz on behalf of the Power 96 Radiothon. Radio Lollipop looks forward to continuing bringing joy and entertainment to our patients, with the support of all our friends and volunteers! Da Pretty Boyz rockin’ the studio. The Testosterones in harmony with Tatianna.

Who, What, When, Where is Radio Lollipop? Radio Lollipop is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing care, comfort, play and entertainment to children in hospitals. This volunteer driven organization uses music and up beat interactive play to gain the children’s attention. This mission allows hospitalized children and their families temporary escape from the serious nature of their hospital stay. Simply put, Radio Lollipop provides the best medicine of all…. Fun and laughter. Founded in 1979 in the United Kingdom, Radio Lollipop currently operates studios in the , Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand. AZ J L D -THON IO D Local Radio Station Uses its ‘Power’ to A

R Benefit Radio Lollipop

Local celebrity and Power 96 (WPOW-FM) morning show host, DJ Laz, once again showed his love for children by hosting the 3rd Annual Power 96 Radiothon to Touched by Laz’s story and the benefit Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s commitment of the hospital’s volunteers, Hospital. When all was said and done, several celebrities, including local hip- the South community had come hop artists , Flo-Rida, and Trick together to raise more than $160,000 for Daddy, stepped up to the plate and made the program and the children of Miami significant donations to Radio Lollipop, Children’s Hospital. Power 96’s Ivy and the volunteers. serving as some of the Radiothon’s people aware that there are kids out there greatest supporters. Radio Lollipop would that need our help. A lot of us are blessed like to thank DJ Laz, Power 96, and the with healthy kids and don’t ever have to entire South Florida community for its visit a hospital, so it’s not in the forefront continued support. of our minds,” said Laz. “The bottom line is when you think you’re having a bad day, Thank You Sponsors! or you’re mad at the world and you just Mix master RJ. hate life, go visit the kid’s hospital and see what problems are really all about. You’ll Radio Lollipop volunteers manned phone realize you don’t have any.” donation hotlines and toy donation stations at Wal-Mart stores throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties for the 36-hour event, which began on August 11 and wrapped up on August 12.

According to DJ Laz, the reasons for his support of Radio Lollipop run deeper than using his name as a chance to help others out. “What I want to do is make DJ Laz with supporters from Broward Motor Sports.

UM Makes Grand Slam Visit to Radio Lollipop

Players and coaches “They really got the kids motivated and from the University of it was nice to see how many smiles they Miami baseball team hit a were able to get from kids who really homerun with their visit to needed it,” said Thrilling Thursday team member Lydia Del Radio Lollipop in October. Pino. Singing songs, visiting The play of the day came when the patients, and announcing baseball players, volunteers, and the night’s winners were Team helps CJ ‘batter up’. kids got together to sing “You’ve all in the lineup. Got a Friend in Me.” Indeed the UM “I had a great night. It’s a great feeling to be an influence in players showed that Radio Lollipop someone’s life,” said player Sam Robinson. Another player, Erick and the kids at Miami Children’s Coach Morris and players Erickson, also expressed the importance of reaching out to others. Hospital truly do have a friend at bedside. in the University of Miami. “I think the players did a great job cheering up the kids and getting them involved in our show,” said Wacky Wednesday Radio Lollipop would like to thank Sam Robinson, Tom volunteer Miguel Garcia. The team took part in handing out Powers, Chris Hernandez, Eric Erickson, Ryan Perry, Steven craft supplies, picking out prizes, and left great memories with Ewing, Kevin Youst, and coach Jim Morris for stopping by for the kids and volunteers alike. a great night of fun.

2 Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital Soccer Team Scores Goal with Children at MCH

The players of the Miami FC Blues are activity contest. used to the sound of cheering fans. On The experience this evening, however, those cheers came was one that Zach from the children at Miami Children’s Kirby would love to Hospital. see continue, in helping to bring joy and happiness to a special group of children. Zach Kirby, Walter Ramirez, Nicolas Torres, and team mascot “Hotshot” all “It is difficult for me to comprehend greeted the children with their nifty why some children have to go through soccer ball tricks, and autographed such things at such young ages, but the memorabilia. The most important Hanging with Jennifer, a big fan. strength they possess to push forward is part of the visit for the team was remarkable,” said Kirby. He added, “I am participating in special quality time with “Visiting Miami Children’s Hospital happy to have shared some time with the children. was a great experience. From the them, and it is something I would love to moment we arrived I knew we were do again in the near future.” in for a special evening. Bouncing from room to room with the Radio Lollipop volunteers and seeing the children’s faces light up with excitement was truly unforgettable,” said Miami FC’s Zach Kirby.

The players followed Radio Lollipop volunteers both inside the studio and Kicking around in the studio. to the rooms. They also passed out Walter, Ashawncia, Nicholas and Zack. prizes to the winners of the night’s

without saying that at our training events, are always great fun to mingle, meet and laugh with our fellow Lights, Camera, volunteers, ” she said. Wacky Wednesday Semi Annual! team leader, Natalie Eguizabal, said that she learned the importance The Radio Lollipop team! of being accountable The sights and sounds of Hollywood for your own actions as a volunteer. interact with one another. Volunteer were the scene of the second semi- Karine Bello, a Terrific Tuesday member, annual of 2009. Volunteers experienced “Radio Lollipop depends on the was happy to be given the opportunity a flowing red carpet, an old-fashioned volunteers to be punctual and on to attend this annual meeting. popcorn machine, and the inaugural task; it’s about the children not the paper plate awards. At the center of all volunteers,” she said. “I was happy to attend the semi-annual the fun, were the training presentations and meet some new friends from other The semi-annual also brought a chance nights. The combination of very useful which were geared toward improving for volunteers of all teams to be able to every aspect of volunteering. information, along with creating a closer bond to other volunteers, makes Colleen Cummings, a Terrific Tuesday this event a large success,” she said. member, said she thought the best part about the semi-annual training Wacky Wednesday member Vicky was hearing about other volunteers Mir added, “The semi-annual is, in my experiences from different teams. opinion, an amazing way to bring all the Lollipopers together. I can’t wait for “It helps us all approach certain and the next one.” sometimes difficult situations. It goes The fabulous chefs and volunteers: Juan, Natalie and Ann.

Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital 3 11,000 Reasons to Smile A night of laughter and fun at Thank you! the Miami Improv provided Radio Lollipop would like to thank the following sponsors the children of Miami for donating prizes for our raffle: Children’s Hospital with the biggest smile of all. Thanks to the hard work of the volunteers of Radio Lollipop, the fundraising event raised Host David Berry and his over $11,000 in donations, “Vanna White” Kathy Napuri. more than double the amount received in 2008.

One day prior to the event, Radio Lollipop made an appearance on the NBC6 television show “South Florida Today.” Volunteers David Berry and Pilar Alvarez were guests on the show and described what exactly Radio Lollipop is all about and also promoted our event, “A Night at the At the event, the packed Improv.” house was treated to comedians Ruben Ramos, John Vargas, Oni Perez, Ken Fiegel, Michael O’Bryn, Regent Bal Harbour, Adrian Mesa, and headliner Vixon Boutique, Erich Glasbrenner, Ricky Cruz. Host David Berry, Addict Boutique, Rhoni Tannebaum, Jessie Trujillo, entertained the audience Marilyn Cale Designs, and Kore Boutique. and announced the winners of the largely anticipated We would also like to thank Vicki Ramos, David Berry, Comedians Adrian Mesa, John raffle contest. The grand prize Vargas and Oni Perez. the Miami Improv, and NBC 6 for their contributions in of the raffle was a four-day making this event a success. Bahamas cruise for two, aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Other notable prizes included two round-trip tickets on Airtran Airways, brunch at the Biltmore Hotel, a one-night stay at the Mandarin Oriental, and a Volunteers Andrew, Melissa, Iris and their friend Andrew round of golf at the Doral Golf Volunteers Jessica and Amy laughed Volunteer Laura Londono and her friends had a blast! were all smiles! Resort and Spa. the night away with their friends.

Houston, We Have History!

Members from Radio Lollipop locations around the world gathered in Houston, Texas, for the Radio Lollipop International Conference. In addition to the international conference, the first-ever Radio Lollipop USA conference was to take place as well. The attendees included representatives from England, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The MCH crew with Radio Lollipop founder Hedley Finn (in red). The purpose of the conference was to unite all Radio Lollipop locations and to discuss how to expand and improve the and marketing. Attendees felt the conference was a major program both as individual volunteers and as an organization. step in the right direction for Radio Lollipop, and hope that Topics discussed included opening new stations, fundraising, next year’s conference will have just as much success.

4 Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital Inaugural RL Olympic Games Strikes Gold with Volunteers

The first Radio Lollipop Olympics took place this year and lasted longer than anyone expected. It started with the “Radio Lollipop Olympics Bash” on May 30. The party was a Interested in great success, making it possible for volunteers to meet and spend some quality time together. The bash was followed by the Radio Lollipop Volunteering Olympic games, which took place on May 31 at Tropical Park. for Radio The games involved four teams: “The Super Saturday team huddle. Incredibles” from Terrific Tuesday, “Weapons of Mass Destruction” from Wacky competing against each other, they Lollipop? Wednesday, “Boom Boom Pow” became closer than ever. “I really from Thrilling Thursday and “The enjoyed the first ever Radio Icantbelieveables” from Super Lollipop Olympics because we got Saturday. The events scheduled to interact with members from the were flag football, dodge ball and rest of the teams and have fun in kickball. After nearly four hours of the process,” said Melissa Ruiz-Lau, a L ” flag football play, the games were uci ed Thrilling Thursday volunteer. a, aka “Little r interrupted by rain. Tuesday’s team did not have enough team members, so they combined with players from Wednesday’s team. They called themselves the Terrific Wednesdays. Labake Ajayi, a Terrific Tuesday member said, “Although we were divided within our respective teams, we united as a whole in competing against each other from different teams, sharing memorable experiences and always laughing.” Get an application at

She added, “Maybe there was only one official www.mch.com/ team winner, but all the teams gained friends, RadioLollipop MVPs Natalie Eguizabal, Andrew Geffner, ate great food and spent quality time as a Kathy Napuri and David Berry. group. In the end we all became winners.” Visit our

Volunteers were able to meet again on July This wonderful event is sure to be revived next international site at 19 to finish the Olympic Games. Dodge year, providing a great venue for volunteers ball and kickball were the two events of from all teams to practice good teamwork and www.RadioLollipop.com the day. An award ceremony followed the sportsmanship in hopes of bringing everyone games. “The Icanbelievables” from Super just a little bit closer in the process. or give us a call at Saturday took home the trophy. “It’s not about 786-624-4431 competition. It’s about becoming a team, which hopefully will later become a family,” said Lucia Schneegans-Puentes, a Super Saturday volunteer.

Each team had a “Most Valuable Player” who won a beautiful medal. Kathy Napuri, Natalie Eguizabal, Andrew Geffner, and David Berry Join us! were the MVPs. Andrew Geffner was chosen the overall MVP.

The Radio Lollipop Olympic Games made it possible for a group of great individuals Vicky and Amy of Wacky Wednesdays to interact. Even though volunteers were showing off their “tough“ side.

Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital 5 DJ Laz’s Halloween Extravaganza

Happy Halloween! DJ Laz, champion fundraiser and best friend of Radio Lollipop, hosted a “Freaky Fun Halloween Party” for children at Miami Children’s Hospital on October 28. DJ Laz and his beautiful wife Joey brought food, music, games, toys and fun to the event. The volunteers of Wacky Volunteers Colleen, Josh and Alicia Wednesday added to the Halloween high-fiving Tyler. excitement, dressing up as Mary Courtnie aka Hello Kitty with DJ Laz. Poppins, Wilma Flintstone, Scuba Man laughing at jokes, playing instruments, and many others. and dancing with everyone who gathered in the studio and playroom. Eager children called the studio with There was also a great party in 3North, jokes, scary stories and song requests. where Goofy and Minnie were face “Wilma” and Laz threw a great party in painting, dancing and singing! the studio, throwing out shout outs, It was a great night for everyone thanks to DJ Laz, and his great group of friends and family. Thank you to the Volunteer Vivian with Dulce. Wacky Wednesday team and other Radio Lollipop Volunteers for making Thank You! Halloween fun for all the children (nurses, doctors, and families too!)

DJ Laz with Nathalie and her sister. Nathalie and Elizabeth showing off their beautifully painted faces.

Macy’s Fundraiser “Causes” Many Smiles for Kids at MCH

Twice a year, Macy’s holds its “Shop for a Cause” event, “As a mother, I know how difficult it must be not only for the which serves as a fundraiser for many worthy organizations. sick child, but also their families during some very stressful Coupons are sold to customers prior to the situations. I feel very happy that I can somehow event, who then receive a percentage off of their help to make sure that their experience at Macy’s purchase on the event date. Proceeds go Miami Children’s Hospital is as enjoyable as to the participating organizations. Radio Lollipop possible.” participated in events in April and October Radio Lollipop thanks Macy’s and all our raising a total of $2,500. supporters for making this event so successful. Nettie Lamoureux, a mother of three, said that We look forward to continuing with the “Shop she was grateful to know her money was going for a Cause” program next spring. toward helping improve the lives of sick children.

6 Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital Volunteer Spotlight

Karine Bello Juan Oves Terrific Tuesday Wacky Wednesday

I have been a Radio Lollipop volunteer for a year. I’ve been volunteering now for over a year at Radio Lollipop Thanks to this amazing organization, this past year has and I am in love with the organization and its purpose. I been unforgettable. I decided to become a volunteer decided to become a volunteer at Miami Children’s Hospital, because I wanted to make people feel better. I not only because of my passion for medicine, but also for wanted to help change a tear into a smile. Radio my enjoyment in teaching children about the sciences and Lollipop allows me to do that. Our fun activities, the natural world. trivia questions, stories, bubbles, and music brings I never thought I would have the “crazy and unique happiness to the patients and their families. character” a Radio Lollipop volunteer has, but it naturally The best part about volunteering for Radio Lollipop came into place. I’ve always believed that teaching children is being able to share the music in me with all the will open up their imaginations and minds to a bright future patients. I love singing with them, but most of all I with great possibilities. My knowledge of science and few love seeing the positive effect that music has on each jokes has brought many smiles to many children at Miami and every patient. Children’s Hospital, and it is the best feeling any human can have. Our task as volunteers at Radio Lollipop is to Thank you Radio Lollipop, for letting me be a part of create a world of imagination and fun, disguising the actual this great team. Radio Lollipop has been a wonderful hospital scene, and distracting the mind of the patient. experience for me, and I will never forget it. The best part of volunteering is not only the smiles you leave on the children, but also the impact that it will make on their future. A few words in a moment of distress, can mean a lot to a child. I thank Radio Lollipop for everything they have taught me and the great experiences! There is no Joel Calafell price or value on how much this organization is worth and Super Saturday its purpose at Miami Children’s Hospital. The children are the future

I have been volunteering at Radio Lollipop for almost 4 years. I have actually been volunteering at the hospital for almost 7 years because my first two and half years were served in the E.R. department. Marien Yanes I have always been taught that serving the community is something everyone should practice in their own way. Thrilling Thursday I have always been interested in medicine so I decided to start volunteering at Miami Children’s Hospital, but What do you think when you hear the name Radio after almost 3 years in the ER department I wanted Lollipop? To me, it means happiness, laughter, unity, and something that involved more patient interaction, so a freedom of expression. Radio Lollipop is much more Nuria introduced me to Radio Lollipop, and after my than an organization, it is a family. A family that will first day I was hooked. Just the thought of being able always be there for each other, no matter how hard their to bring these kids some light even on the darkest of day has been or how sad they might feel. days is an absolute joy to me. I joined Radio Lollipop because I wanted to be a part I enjoy the first interaction between the patients and of something greater. My sister had started volunteering the parents, because I feel that it is where I brighten two months earlier and suggested that I try it out, and their day the most. although I was unsure what the program entailed, I gave To me the number one way to say thank you to Radio it a try. Soon, I found myself coming back, each time Lollipop is to spread the program around. There are with a smile brighter then the last. many excellent childrens hospital in the United States Today, 14 months later, I have to thank Radio Lollipop and it is a shame that only 3 have a Radio Lollipop for the memories it has provided, the friendships I have station. I hope sometime in the future to bring Radio built, and the children I have encountered. Knowing that I Lollipop to another hospital. I think this would be the have touched someone’s life is not only the best part of best thank you Radio Lollipop could receive. the program, but also the most rewarding feeling of all.

Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital 7 Radio Lollipop’s mission is to provide care, comfort, play and entertainment to children in hospital.

Management Team Thanks to our Special Guests Chairperson...... Javier Izquierdo • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Assistant Chairperson . . . . Nora Barriere • Stiefel Laboratories • AT&T Pioneers South Florida Treasurer...... Lynn Heyman • Miami FC Soccer Team Secretary...... Dayana Rodezno • FIU-Business Development Organization Program Coordinator. . . Lucia Schneegans • Project Sunshine Marketing Chair ...... Alex Sanchez • University of Miami Baseball Team Fundraising Chair...... Juan Oves • Phi Delta Epsilon at FIU Play Coordinator...... Natalie Equizabal • Stephanie Carache Education Chair ...... Ann Cunningham • Phi Mu at FIU

Thank you to our dedicated and committed volunteers:

Mileidy Aguado Ann Cunningham Javier Izquierdo Vicky Mir Vivian Revilla Ana K Vega Labake Ajayi David De La Flor Cory Jones Tania Miranda Dayana Rodezno Ana Vega Hilda Alvarez Lydia Del Pino Randolph Koper Marithe Molina Melissa Ruiz Lissvett Vergara Melissa Alvarez Jerfoon Desorme Marc Kuperman Melissa Morales Vanessa Ruiz Sindy Villalobos Pilar Alvarez Natalie Equizabal Laura Londono Amy Murphy David Salamanca Maria Villavicencio Nora Barriere Laura Espinosa Alicia Lopez Kathy Napuri Alex Sanchez Vanessa Vinas Karine Bello Linda Faber Vanessa Lopez Jenesis Negron Jessica Sandoval Meagan Wentworth David Berry Mike Garcia Diana Lora Carolina Nunez Jessa Santiago Kenneth Wilder Joel Calafell Andrew Geffner Caterina Marazzi Juan Oves Jr. Lucia Schneegans Marien Yanes Milvionne Chery Jessica Goldfin Marlene Martinez Gregory Quijano Aleyda Sosa Marnie Yanes Iris Cicero Yasmin Gomez Betsy Medina Kristy Ramirez Talisa Suarez Bianca Zuluaga Sebastian Cortes Renee Gonzalez Dani Meyrick Jorge Ramos Evelyn Tamayo Colleen Cummings Hunter Heniser Katherine Millo Victoria Ramos Rhoni Tannebaum

8 Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital