The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation awarded $4,300 to support the recent Kids Can Do Screen Free Summer Event, held at Ephraim McDowell Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy Center in Danville. The free community event welcomed approximately 100 patients and family members for a morning focused on active, engaging, and screen-free summer opportunities for children.
The event connected families with local camps, programs, and community organizations that encourage creativity, movement, social interaction, and healthy development. Families explored hands-on activities, learned about summer resources available throughout the area, and had opportunities to receive scholarships and prizes to help children participate in community activities during the summer months.
The Screen Free Summer Event was created in response to the growing amount of time children spend on electronic devices and the need for more accessible opportunities that promote learning through play, interaction, and physical activity.
“The Foundation was honored to support this incredible event and the impact it had on children and families in our community,” said Brandie James, Philanthropy Coordinator for the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. “Programs like Screen Free Summer are important because they encourage children to build relationships, stay active, explore their creativity, and engage with the world around them outside of screens. Seeing families connect with local resources and opportunities made this event a tremendous success.”
Organizers at Kids Can Do emphasized the importance of helping families discover activities that support childhood development while also reducing barriers to participation.
“Children learn and grow through movement, sensory experiences, social interaction, and play,” said Ellen Scalf, Occupational Therapist at Ephraim McDowell Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy Center. “This event gave families practical tools and resources to create meaningful summer experiences for their children. The support from the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation helped make these opportunities accessible to many families who may not otherwise have had the chance to participate in camps and community programs.”
Ephraim McDowell Kids Can Do staff also worked to ensure the event was inclusive and accommodating for all participants and families.
The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation extends sincere appreciation to the generous donors and sponsors whose support helped make the Screen Free Summer Event possible. Community partners and participating organizations included Boyle County Public Library, Heart of KY Kids, Danville Pediatrics, Art Center of the Bluegrass, Precision Dance of Harrodsburg, Plaid Elephant Books, Music On Main, Plank On Main, McDowell Wellness Center, Anderson Dean Community Park, and The Hub.
Premier sponsors for the event included DOE, Farmers National Bank, and WealthSouth. Kentucky Trust Company served as the Foundation Champion sponsor. Foundation Friends sponsors included Dr. Justin and Dr. Katrina Kolasa, Trim Masters Charitable Foundation, Messer, Community Trust Bank, Community Trust Wealth & Trust Management, Northwestern Mutual, and Baird Wealth Management.
The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation continues to support programs and initiatives that improve the health and well-being of children and families throughout the community. For more information about the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation and its programs, please contact Brandie James, Philanthropy Coordinator bjames@emhealth.org.