Despite all of the uncertainties of last year, 2021 left us with so much to be grateful for! Our wonderful community of donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners really stepped up their efforts to help families and young children in our community. While we are looking forward to what 2022 will bring, check out our Top Ten Moments of 2021:
Radiothon
On December 15, radio stations Mix 103.1, Coyote 102.9, Kool 98.9 and Zion 104.2 spent the day interviewing sponsors, families, staff and encouraging people to donate to Root for Kids. This year we were able to have two locations for donations, one at Root For Kids and the second location was at Green Gate Village. We had many volunteers come to help with this big event. This year again we were able to take pictures with members of the community that made donations! We appreciate Red Rock Media for sponsoring this event and all of the volunteers and donors who made it possible.
Golf Tournament
Due to the pandemic, Root for Kids was unable to do our annual Gala in person, so we just rolled with the punches and organized our first Annual Root for Kids Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament. This event took place at Coral Canyon Golf Course. We decided to elevate this event by making the tournament glow in the dark! Everyone who participated had a great time. Last year our tournament sold out and this year we already have a waiting list. If you want to participate in this event sign up here, the event will be held on October 21, 2022.
Our Amazing Employees
At the start of 2021 we thought that life would go back to “normal”, but as we know it did not. Our amazing employees were resilient and adapted to our situation and we were able to serve all of our families. Home visits were still being made through Zoom and families were still getting the care and attention they needed. Later in the year, we transitioned back to in person visits and events with the proper health protocols in place. Even with all the changes and challenges, our employees kept going above and beyond.
We also had employees that had efforts that were recognized outside of our company; our Chief Health Officer Tena Heward was awarded the Committed Community Partner award by Dixie State University, Rosie Sever (Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator) received the Element Award by the St. George Chamber of Commerce. And last but not least, Monica Jones (Special Events Director) was recognized as one of the 30 in their 30’s by the St. George Chamber of Commerce.
Family Events
This year we were able to return to in-person events again. Which meant; parent nights, once a month play groups, fatherhood events and family unity events were back in full swing. It was fun to be able to host these events again and see the parents and children interact.
Donors
We appreciate all of our sponsors and all that they help us achieve for the community and the families that we serve. As one of our many sponsors, TDS made a $100 donation to Root for Kids for every touchdown made at Dixie State University home games. It was such a fun initiative and we are grateful for everyone who thinks of us when fundraising opportunities arise!
Nurture & Grow Luncheon
At our Nurture and Grow luncheon we had the opportunity to have Dr. Patrick Carroll from the NICU at Intermountain Hospital come and speak to us about what the NICU can and cannot do to support babies and their families while they are in their care and once they leave their facility. Fun fact: most preemie babies that are in the NICU here in St. George are then referred to Root For Kids for a great head start in life!
Little Free Library
We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise for making it possible for our St. George, La Verkin, Hildale and Colorado City locations to have Little Free Library facilities! They also donated dozens of books that fill each library at each location. We are so excited to be able to offer this opportunity to all families in the surrounding areas.
Baby Contest
We were so happy to once again have the Baby Contest virtually in 2021 in association with the Washington County Fair. If you want to register your baby for this year’s contest, you may register at their website. Along with participating in the contest, you will also receive a Baby Contest T-shirt and an activity booklet.
Kindermusik
We are delighted to announce that our Kindermusik program was ranked a Top Program in 2021! This year we have Madison and Marnie teaching our Kindermusik classes. If you would like to meet them and join one of our 0-5 year old music classes, which are caregiver and kids classes, our new semester just started and we still have classes available. Sign up today!
Volunteers
And last but certainly not least, we wanted to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers that helped us through 2021! They helped with diaper bundles to putting together home visit materials (play kits). Our medical volunteers from the Dixie State University Dental Hygiene Program did dental cleanings for the families enrolled. We just wanted to say a big heartfelt huge thank you to everyone that helped us during our big events. We could not have had such a successful year without you!
Thank you for supporting Root for Kids and being a part of these special moments with us. Let’s make new memories together this year! Get involved today.
