Families Had a Ball at the Preemie Power Family Celebration

September 6, 2012

Super Hero Photobooth at the 3rd Annual Preemie Power Family CelebrationHand to Hold’s hugely successful, third annual Preemie Power Family Celebration was held August 24, 2012, at the Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball team. Some 350 adults and children of all ages had a rollicking good time at our kick-off celebration held in the United Heritage Center, an air-conditioned party room overlooking first base. Families with strollers of all stripes were welcomed and given their wristbands and ballpark tickets, event t-shirts and Neotech bags to carry their party favors and souvenirs. Enjoy these photos from the event courtesy of Luly Photography.

Twisting balloons at Preemie PowerToni Maxironi twisted balloon masterpieces for the kids, and our friends at RiverKids Pediatric Home Health worked with the smaller set over in the Toddler Zone with therapy balls and developmental toys. Older kids made super hero cuffs and masks at the art tables, and took turns be-bopping at the cupcake walk, with delicious delights from Michelle’s Patisserie. Beverly Demafiles Schulze and her sidekick Miles took Super Hero Photobooth pictures of children and families with costumed super heroes from Epic Health Services. Round Rock Express mascot Spike even showed up to sign autographs and shake hands.

Round Rock Express George King with Kelli Kelley and twins Ikey and ReagonAfter enjoying a ballpark buffet dinner, Hand to Hold Executive Director Kelli Kelley welcomed everyone and thanked our generous sponsors for underwriting the event’s activities. Then, she gave Hand to Hold’s 2012 Master of Preemies George King, Round Rock Express Baseball Team General Manager, an honorary Preemie Power cape and gave out door prizes.

Chambers Family at the BallgameAs a special treat, last year’s preemie power winners, twins Ikey and Reagon, were on hand to throw out the first pitch for the evening’s baseball game at 7 pm. And, Hand to Hold was able to share with all the ballgame spectators information about the organization’s mission and the upcoming Preemie Power Photo and Essay Contest. After the ballgame started, some families with younger children headed home, while others watched from the comfort of the party room or claimed their reserved seats in the ballpark to watch Round Rock Express take on the Nashville Sounds. The evening concluded with (what else?) fireworks. All in all, it was a special evening that all ages could enjoy, especially our “tiny super heroes.”

We are grateful to Enfamil, St. David’s Healthcare, Neotech, GE Healthcare, Roger Beasley Mazda, Cook-Walden Funeral Homes, CareFlash, Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin & Central TexasAustin’s First Steps High Risk Follow-up Pediatric ClinicBABYBJÖRNGrowing Places Therapy ServicesH-E-BKnight Commercial Construction Inc.RiverKids Pediatric Home HealthSonicTreeHouse Pediatrics, and Women Partners in Health for their partnership and sponsorship of this event.

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