Today, more than ever (almost two years into a pandemic), many women are finding themselves burnt out and in desperate need of a break…from their jobs, the laundry, the stress of life in general, and yes, even their kids. And, it is perfectly normal to feel this way. In fact, women should feel this way. Taking a break and recharging every once in a while is an absolute must. It is imperative to heed that inner desire to call up your bestie, push everything aside for a moment, and just be. Let loose. Have fun. And what better way to do that than with a coveted Girls’ Night Out?
A Girls’ Night Out is not only essential for our well-being as a tool to reduce stress levels and improve overall mood but, collaterally, having a few sips of wine with great bites and fabulous company can empower us to become even better friends, more attentive romantic partners and more engaged mothers.
I know how hard it is to find that “me” time. I, for one, have made plans with my gal pals time and time again only to cancel because I got so caught up in the driving force of womanhood. The never-ending to-do list, the guilt, the fear, the anxiety. Sometimes the thought of actually following through with my plans is quite overwhelming (does my husband even know how to put the kids to bed?). But, sometimes you just gotta do it! I have found that just doing it, even if I have to force myself a little – to get dressed up, have a great blow-out, indulge in a mani-pedi – is totally worth it.
It helps me reset and recharge. For just a few hours, there’s no one else depending on me but me. Rather than being the picture taker, I’m actually in the pictures. Rather than waiting on my family, I get waited on. Rather than being constantly interrupted mid-thought, I actually get to complete full sentences! My friends are my rock. Although life has taken us all in different directions and we may not get together as much as we used to or want to, when we do, it’s really, really nice. Liberating, even! A solid Girl’s Night Out is just the trick to find myself again whenever I feel lost among my many identities.
Some of us revel in hitting the new “hot” spots and trendiest restaurants. Some of us like to have a more experiential outing like Board & Brush or Painting With a Twist. Some of us like to go to concerts or see the latest Broadway musicals. I actually love all of it. It seems, however, that at this point in my life, with the ever-increasing demands, Girls’ Night Out happens less and less frequently...which got me thinking…why not elevate Girls’ Night Out and make our get-togethers a little more outstanding, a little more memorable… and a little more meaningful?
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation has a number of phenomenal events throughout the year that support the pediatric patients and families served at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, part of the Memorial Healthcare System.
Cancer treatment, heart transplants, orthopedics and emergency care are just some of the pediatric medical services offered at Joe D. Did you know that JDCH is growing up? Construction crews are hard at work on the 156,000 square foot JDCH expansion project, which will double the floors of the current hospital building to eight. The Foundation has pledged to raise $56 Million (baseball enthusiasts know this number has great significance) to underwrite a substantial portion of the project through the Catch the Love Campaign. If you have never been to Joe D, you can see just how special this facility is here.
Philanthropy plays such a significant role in contributing to the above-and-beyond care that is received – from the Child Life Specialists to the Pet Therapy Program, from the Real Me at Joe D Salon to the Dunkin’ Prom, and everything in between. All those little details that health insurance just doesn’t cover truly matter in helping the children and their families heal physically, spiritually and mentally.
The Foundation’s events not only raise money for a great cause, but they help enlighten the community about JDCH and the truly amazing things it offers, which just couldn’t be possible without the generosity of others. So grab your friends, have a fun time out and make a meaningful difference in your community. How amazing is that? Here’s how you can Catch the Love….
Hosted by Jeff and Cindy Conine since 1994, the Conine All-Star Golf Classic is one of the premier golf events in South Florida. The Conine Golf Classic is known for its incredible food, beverages, golfing goodies, in-person personal shopping experience for each golfer and hole prizes that can’t be topped.
Proceeds benefit the Conine Clubhouse at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, a home-away-from-home where more than 800 families reside annually, all at no cost to them.
The Diamond Angels of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation is a volunteer membership group dedicated to supporting the vision of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital: to provide safe, quality patient- and family-centered healthcare services to its patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Since the inaugural Fairy Tale Ball in Fall 2004, the Diamond Angels have raised more than $7 million for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. The Annual Diamond Angels Fairy Tale Ball features a cocktail reception, spectacular silent auction, dinner, dancing and an always exciting classic rock concert.
The Catch the Love Golf Classic, hosted by Susan & Charlie Emby & Family and presented by Emerald Multi-Family Office, will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022, at St. Andrew’s Country Club in Boca Raton.
The proceeds of the event will help fund the four-story expansion of JDCH, projected to be completed in October 2022 at a cost of $165 Million. The expansion will have features including 20 medical/surgical beds, rehabilitation beds, a rehabilitation gym, 20 cardiovascular intensive care beds, 4 hybrid operating rooms, an iMRI operating suite, a post-anesthesia cardiac unit, 26 ICU beds, a training/simulation lab, a Complex Care Clinic, and a pharmacy.
Tour de Broward is an event for the entire family that includes cycling, running and walking, all to benefit the patients treated at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
A great day of family fun and entertainment, Tour de Broward also features the “Power of Play” Kids Zone, an interactive area of fun and competitive activities for our younger guests. The event provides a variety of great food, vendors, celebrity guests and an enjoyable experience for all.
As communities continue to open back up, Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations are actively planning more fundraising and friend-raising events for 2022. Additionally, many of our community partners offer their own events benefitting Joe D. Follow the Foundation on Facebook to stay in the know and elevate your next Girls’ Night Out!
To learn more about our events or about hosting your own event supporting Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations, email me at kgreenstein@mhs.net.
Healthy wishes!