East Georgia Regional Medical Center team members, their families, and guests hit the BIG 'appreciation button’ again for the 4th year with the Halloween Family Fest in the hospital courtyard on October 22, 2024. The Halloween-themed social event was a time to share and participate in a highly entertaining and enjoyable evening.
This ‘Fest’ helps reduce the hospital staff's daily stress and brings some ‘Spooky Fun,' creating a positive mood for all. The event is held at the Hospital Cafe Courtyard, and each department brings a theme for the evening, building their costumes and games around it.
Bryan Realiza, MBA-MHA, RCS, the Centers of Excellence Accreditation Manager at EGRMC said, “This event is about seeing all of our leadership wearing costumes and passing out candy to the kids. While we do take care of really sick patients, it's important for our staff to smile and have fun too. Expect to see superheroes, Disney princesses, and even Care Bears.” Realiza continued, smiling, “I am one of the seven dwarfs (Dopey) because our theme is Snow White.”
EGRMC started out in 2020 with a ‘Trunk or Treat’ in the parking lot of the hospital but evolved into a more robust festival style event over the last several years. The whole purpose of the evening is to provide staff and their families with an event where they can simply have FUN.
Sheri Pennington shared, “It is a wonderful safe place for the hospital employees and their families to celebrate a ‘Happy Halloween’.”
The dining room off the courtyard had ample seating to accommodate the families, guests, and children -- a Halloween dream come true. There were also delicious sweet treats including Rice Krispies squares, sugar cookies with icing, decorated mini-donuts with sprinkles, pigs in a blanket, an abundance of your favorite chocolate bars, and, of course, the signature ‘Chocolate Fountain’ with huge campfire marshmallows for dipping, along with fresh strawberries, pineapple, and pound cake. Plus beverages galore!
Another fun feature of the event were th beautifully carved and creatively designed pumpkins, by department, which were on display and prepared for competition.
Stephen Pennington, CEO expressed, “It is always good to celebrate with our employees and their children. We can never thank them enough for their dedication to our patients -- even more this year with the stressors of Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene. EGRMC employees pull together for each other and the community.”
This event certainly showcases the EGRMC ‘Supportive Family’ teams, friendship, creativity, and kindness. The hospital's annual Halloween event is a shining example of the need for appreciation appreciation and a community recognizing the tireless work of healthcare staff. All while embracing the importance of family and fun -- making a lasting impact on those who dedicate themselves to caring for others!