Giving children with cancer or other life-threatening medical conditions a robust dose of hope can be delivered in powerful ways. A terrific example is Opus Properties’ recent partnership with HopeKids, a faith-based national organization that arranges ongoing fun events to support these children, and their siblings and parents.
On August 16, Opus Properties sponsored a HopeKids’ event for nearly 150 children and 110 parents at the Grand Slam Amusement Center in Burnsville, MN. The goal was to give these children and their families an opportunity to share entertaining times together in a very supportive environment.
The idea behind HopeKids is to prepare planned events offering these courageous children and their families a variety of activities to look forward to together. HopeKids also sees this as a time when many families can meet, compare stories, find support and help make sure the sick child’s siblings do not feel overshadowed by the devastating illness.
“What we think is truly exceptional about HopeKids is its attention to families,” said Opus’ Andy Deckas, senior vice president and chief investment officer. “While HopeKids focuses on the children with medical conditions, the organization’s family emphasis mirrors Opus’ family culture.” Andy said Opus Properties hopes to work with HopeKids on other planned activities in the future.
The 2+ hour Grand Slam event gave families the opportunity to participate in many fun activities together, including indoor batting cages, laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars, arcade games and a two-story climbing house. HopeKids began in Phoenix in 2001, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter has registered more than 400 families since its 2006 inception.
Josh Taylor, the local HopeKids’ executive director, said, “We truly appreciate Opus’ involvement in the event and its commitment to providing our HopeKids’ children and their families a great opportunity to be together. Too often, parents have to do so much for their sick children that other siblings feel neglected and left out.” HopeKids, he said, helps all family members walk through such a potentially devastating illness in a strong and healthy way.
“It was hard to count all of the heartfelt thanks we received from parents because of our HopeKids’ involvement,” said Opus Properties’ Amanda Kirkwold, financial analyst. “My favorite part of the day was when I heard one child say, “This is the best HopeKids’ event ever!” Amanda said there is no question the families left with an increased sense of happiness, hope for the future and looking forward to the next event.
In addition to Andy and Amanda, the other Opus Properties’ colleagues at the Grand Slam event were: Lance Grobe, accountant; Scott Haugen, senior asset manager; and Janet Ost, asset management controller.
“The HopeKids’ vision is a terrific fit with Opus’ culture of giving back to the community offering our time as these great kids share their inspiration with us,” said Scott Haugen. “These planned events give something for the kids and families to look forward months in advance as they deal with ongoing medical issues.”
Other types of family events HopeKids organizes with many corporations, include: Monthly private movie screenings, circus, zoo, state fair, children’s museum, ultimate video game days, and back stage meet and greets at concerts. Families also are taken to children’s theatre shows, birthday bash celebrations, the Annual HopeDay Festival, indoor rock climbing, horse riding, and provided with tickets to sports events for the Minnesota Twins baseball and Minnesota Wild hockey teams.
Janet Ost said, “It struck me that whole families showed up in HopeKids’ t-shirts emphasizing that dealing with a serious medical condition takes family support. Sometimes, children in need could not necessarily be distinguished from their siblings.” She said it was great to support them as a family unit.
To receive more information about HopeKids nationally, just click HopeKids.