Nouveau Riche130 Seriously Ill Children, families enjoy ‘Best in West’ carnival

Thanks to The Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation, more than 130 seriously ill children and family members had the chance April 4 to experience a “Best in the West Carnival” at MacDonald’s Ranch, 26540 N. Scottsdale Road. The Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation sponsored the Great Escape, a Starlight Children’s Foundation program designed to give families with seriously ill children a chance to have some fun and recharge outside of the hospital environment. They also meet others who are facing similar challenges.

Volunteers attended from all across the United States to help with the event. Attendees participated in hayrides, square dancing, face painting, caricature drawings, pony rides along scenic trails (a first time for many children), races and games (including lasso roping, penny pitching, cowboy hat toss and stick-horse racing).

The children were also entertained with live performances by Maricopa Mike, the magician; a strolling cowboy singer; and Earl Grey, the trick pony. In addition, the group enjoyed a cowboy cookout, snow cones and cotton candy.
“The daily emotional and financial struggles that come with caring for a sick child are often so overwhelming that the thought of leaving the house for a family event seems impossible,” said Jo Ann Yeo, community development officer for Starlight Children’s Foundation. “But Starlight understands what families go through when a child is sick, and the importance of breaking the cycle of depression and loneliness. With the help of sponsors like The Frank Edward Piccolo
Foundation, we can provide these families with the chance to have fun together away from the hospital, so they can relax, regroup and return home with a renewed sense of strength and hope.”

Visit www.starlight.org/arizona or call 480-280-5289.

Filed under: Nouveau Riche Charity

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