CHOA Friends of Milton Host Inaugural Boo Bash

More than 300 Milton-area residents attended the inaugural “Boo Bash” hosted by the Milton Friends of CHOA on Sunday, September 25, 2022. The event, which aimed to raise awareness of the new “Friends” volunteer fundraising group, was co-hosted by the Cueny Team and the ColLab. Nearly $10,000 was raised to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, more than tripling initial projections.

The Milton Friends of CHOA was recently founded by two Milton moms, Shelley Massey and Wendy Lewis. Both relocated to Milton from Buckhead, where they were an instrumental part in grassroots fundraising efforts to directly benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the young patients who are treated there.

Lewis spoke eloquently about why Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is such a worthy organization for our community’s financial support. “Obviously, we all hope and pray that our children won’t ever have to see the inside of a hospital but, if they do, we want to ensure that their experience will be a positive one with the best possible doctors, equipment, and medical care in the industry. During one of my pregnancies, doctors identified that my son had a heart condition. With that information, they were able to proactively put plans in place to perform emergency surgery soon after his birth, as well as build an action plan for him post-op that has helped to ensure he’s the happy, healthy little boy who has blessed my life, and those of everyone around him, since his birth.”

Co-Founder Massey continued, “Every year, hundreds of Milton children need medical support from CHOA and depend upon the lifesaving services provided there. Milton has always been an incredibly cohesive and charitable community, so it only made sense to build upon that goodwill and form a local Friends group here. The response initially has been overwhelmingly positive; we look forward to coordinating a number of events annually to raise as much money as possible to support CHOA and the patients receiving services there. We already have a steering committee in place and dozens of active volunteers.”

This year, funds raised by the Milton Friends Group will directly support the “Never Settle” Campaign. This initiative seeks to raise money to support the construction of a brand new, “Arthur M. Blank” Hospital on the North Druid Hills Campus of CHOA. This facility will provide 72% more pediatric cancer beds in the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, increase pediatric cardiac beds by 25%, provide a special care unit (SCU) for treating patients with highly contagious diseases, and more.

There is no fee to become a Milton Friend of CHOA. Members just need a heartfelt desire to volunteer their time, talent, and treasure. The group is planning a variety of seasonal fundraisers, including “Boo” signs for Halloween, Christmas mailbox decorations, Valentine’s hearts and a “Down and Derby” party on May 6, 2023.

To learn more about how you can support the Milton Friends of CHOA, please email Friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com or log onto their social media accounts, https://www.instagram.com/friendsofchoa_milton/ or https://www.facebook.com/Milton-Friends-of-CHOA-105258802347527.