Maureen’s Hope Foundation will host a wellness event fundraiser from noon to 3:15 p.m. Sunday May 16 at Baker High School. With a theme of Together We Can, the event is for Baldwinsville and Liverpool students in eighth through 12th grades and aims to offer informative, educational and fun wellness activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle in teens. It is also a fundraiser for Maureen’s Hope Foundation, a local not for profit offering practical support and assistance to people in the community facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis or life altering disease.
The event will feature activities including Yoga, Zhumba, Boot Camp, Pilates, Kickboxing, Tennis, Fitness Demo, Kan Jam, Dodge Nall, Volleyball, Dance and more (students will be able to sign up to participate in two activities during the event) and wellness booths where teens can obtain information about various topics.
“Our wellness booths will pertain to subjects that are of concerns for teens,” said Susan Bertrand, founder of Maureen’s Hope Foundation. “We are very excited about having the DWI Test Car, which will allow students to sit behind the wheel and wear glasses that will allow them to view the road as if they were driving under the influence.”
In addition to the DWI test car, wellness booths will include a BMI machine, nutrition, dermatology (skin cancer prevention), Ophelia’s Place, podiatry concerns for teens, suicide prevention, Byrne Dairy, Paige’s Butterfly Run, Hope for Heather and more.
“We encourage students to sign up now as space may be limited,” Bertrand said.
Registration for the event is $12. Registration forms can be downloaded at maureenshope.org or picked up at the Baker High and Durgee Junior High school offices.
‘You and Me Bears’
Maureen’s Hope is launching a new program at Golisano Children’s Hospital called “You and Me Bears.”
“Pediatric oncology patients staying at the hospital are given a set of bears – one for them and the other for their parent or caretaker to have for times when they are apart. It’s a simple reminder of the love they share,” Bertrand said.
The card attached to each bear reads: A cuddly bear to keep us close/At night time when I miss you most/One for me and one for you/Filled with hugs and kisses too./XXOO
“We are asking people to sponsor a set of bears for $25 and brighten the day of a child battling cancer,” Bertrand said.
The sponsorship form is included on the registration form.
“We hope to launch this program with the funds our students raise through the wellness event,” Bertrand said. “At the end of the day, my hopes are that the students can also realize the difference we are able to make in the community by raising funds while participating in wellness activities. Together we can make a difference.”
Wellness booths
- DWI Test Drive Car
BMI Machine
Nutrition (pros and cons of sports drinks)
Dermatology (skin cancer)
Podiatrist (common foot problems for teens)
Ophelia’s Place
Suicide Prevention
Byrne Dairy
Hope for Heather
Paige’s Butterfly Run
Maureen’s Hope Foundation
Schedule
- Noon to 1 p.m. Registration and students can visit booths
1 to 1:20 p.m. Opening ceremony/activities in the gym with Bryan Morgan of Dynamic Health and Fitness
1:25 to 1:55 p.m. Students participate in selected event
2 to 2:20 p.m. Refreshments and students can visit booths
2:25 to 2:55 p.m. Students participate in selected event
3 to 3:15 p.m. Closing ceremony in auditorium
