Volunteers Chapters at The Children's Hospital

The Volunteer Chapters within the Association of Volunteers at Children's provide a variety of services to the Hospital, our patients and their families. The Chapter volunteers function both as volunteers in the hospital, as well as community-based volunteers.

Boulder Chapter (1967)

The Boulder Chapter began as a circle of friends dedicated to meeting the need of funding requests for non-capital improvements at The Children’s Hospital. Their initial projects were golf tournaments, auctions and more. Currently, the chapter hosts the following events.

• A day at Highland Hills Miniature Golf and Raceway in June
• A cooperative effort with Giambracco and Sons Garden Center during the spring and summer; proceeds of flower sales benefit the chapter
• Teddy Bear Tea at the Boulderado Hotel the Saturday after Thanksgiving
• Gift wrapping the first weekend of December at the Boulder Barnes & Noble bookstore

This group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at a member’s home, with the exception of July and August.

Cancer Center Chapter (1993)

The Cancer Center Chapter began as an effort to celebrate the art work of oncology and blood disorder patients. Corporate sponsors were established to fund the transformation of the artwork into winter holiday cards. Proceeds of the cards are used to improve the quality and satisfaction of patient care by providing wigs, medical bracelets, eye exam equipment and teaching aides. Funds are also delegated to purchasing equipment related to processing tumor samples, teaching materials for oncology students and to the HOPE Clinic, which provides long term services for survivors of cancer.

View the holiday cards for purchase.

Cardiac Kids Chapter (2001)

The mission of the Cardiac Kids Chapter, developed by mothers of cardiac patients, is to provide emotional support and education for the families of children with heart disorders. The group also educates the public regarding heart disease and heart transplants among children. Each day the chapter strives to enhance the work of The Children’s Hospital Heart Institute and helps to promote organ donation. One of the chapter’s projects has been the creation of a 150-page manual guiding parents through the processes of surgeries, critical care issues, follow up care and more.

This chapter’s events include the following:

• A luncheon at the Cardiac Physician Seminar every September to promote education of doctors and families
• A reunion picnic in July
• Pumpkin Patch Day in October
• All Star for Hearts Variety and Talent Show in the fall

This chapter meets monthly on the second Tuesday of every month.

Colorado Youth Chapter

This chapter is comprised of benefits from annual third party events such as the Hearts for Hearts Sake Dance Recital, sponsored by The Colorado Centre of Dance. Another valued event is the Ultimate Martial Arts Kick-a-Thon, sponsored by Patrick Chandler.

Friends of the Hospital Sports Program (1986)

This chapter was developed to be a fundraising arm of The Hospital Sports Program to provide funding so that children with disabilities can participate in the disabled ski program at Winter Park. This program helps children and teens to build a sense of freedom and self esteem through skiing.

This award-winning program allows children to expand their horizons, not only through the ski program, but also through golf activities. In addition, this chapter was instrumental in the creation of the Courage Classic bike tour and remains a crucial component for the event's success.

This chapter also hosts the Drive for Kids Porsche event in Snowmass, Colorado. Throughout the year, the chapter sells brooms that are handmade by members, blankets with kids’ pictures on them and a John Fielder calendar.

The chapter meets the second Wednesday of every month at The Children’s Hospital with the exception of February, July and December.

Learn more about the Hospital Sports Program.

Gift of Gracie (2009)

The Gift of Gracie Chapter was founded by Tiffany Peterson, whose daughter, Gracie, was a patient at The Children’s Hospital. Tiffany noticed a lack of books in the hospital and after further research she discovered that many children in Colorado do not own a book.

The mission of this chapter is to raise funds to supply the hospital with books that children can pick from and take home. Some chapter members also take the time to read to patients at Children’s. This group, supported by donations, recently hosted its first golf tournament and continues to discuss ideas for future fundraising activities.

Highlands Ranch Chapter (1990)

The Highlands Ranch Chapter supports the Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders through donations and fundraising activities. Past events have included wine tastings, silent auctions, a Cinco de Mayo celebration and partnering with local community events, such as The Taste of Highlands Ranch.

Currently the chapter hosts the following events:

• Annual Dress Up / Dress Down day for hospital employees
• A statewide Baskin Robbins “Cones for Kids” event during the month of September
• An annual blood drive
• In 2010 the chapter will host a night at the Comedy works with comedian Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald on Feb. 10.

Hydrocephalus Information Network Chapter (1997)

The Hydrocephalus Information Network was developed by mothers of children who suffer with a syndrome known as “water on the brain.” Many children with this condition require as many as 20 surgeries before the age of 15. This chapter’s mission is dedicated to raising awareness about this neurological condition.

Each year, the chapter hosts a summer weekend camp in Estes Park, which includes tents, a campfire, swimming and a baseball game. In addition, the chapter hosts a “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser for the public and "An Evening with Santa" for the chapter and its members.

Morning Glories Chapter

The Morning Glories Chapter is a support group that creates hand-sewn goods for The Children’s Hospital Child Life and Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. They sew eye patches, blankets, hats for oncology patients and tiny hospital gowns for the dolls Child Life Specialists use to teach patients about upcoming procedures.

This group holds “outings” instead of monthly meetings at places such as book binding companies and museums, so they can stretch their legs and backs after long hours at sewing machines. Outings take place on the third Wednesday morning of every month.

Prescription Pets Chapter (1984)

The award-winning Prescription Pet Program, also known as RxPets, is a dog-assisted therapy and visitation program that began in 1984 as a cooperative effort between Children's and the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society (DAVMS). Specially-trained volunteer dog owners take their dogs on rounds to visit patients at The Children's Hospital. In 1984, a written prescription from the child's physician was necessary for a dog visit, hence the name, "Prescription Pet Program."

All Prescription Pet dogs have passed a vigorous screening and have been approved by veterinarians who volunteer their time. Their visits with patients can range from a few minutes to 15 minutes or longer, depending on the child's response and condition. The dogs also assist the medical staff in the psychiatric units and in the physical rehabilitation department.

Meetings are held quarterly beginning in January on the second Wednesday of the month.

Windsor Gardens Chapter (1975)

The Windsor Gardens Chapter supports the neonatal and cardiac infant patients by knitting and crocheting baby blankets, booties and hats for the tiny patients. They also make hats for the cancer and blood disorder patients. Every item they produce is stitched with love. Some of the members of this chapter have been volunteers for over 50 years.

This chapter holds many fundraising events, such as their summer ice cream and music social, a fall craft fair, blood drives, dances, bakes sales and golf tournaments.

Meetings are held the third Monday of every month at 9:30 a.m., with the exception of July and December.