Kaleidoscope fund-raiser brings neurological center into focus









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From left: University Hospital Auxiliary board members, Chris Shaw and Caitlin Davis, Carol Lackner (Auxiliary past president), Gwen Madison (Auxiliary president) and Jackie O’Dell (Auxiliary president-elect).

Fun, food and festivities translated into big fund-raising at this year’s Kaleidoscope, an annual event sponsored by the University Hospital Auxiliary to raise money for programs that support and benefit patients and families at The Nebraska Medical Center.

Net proceeds from Kaleidoscope 2007 are expected to top $120,000 with more than 650 people attending the themed event, held Saturday at the Qwest Center Omaha.

“The Auxiliary is grateful to its medical community and the Omaha community as a whole for the continued support of Kaleidoscope over the years,” Auxiliary president Gwen Madison said. “Their generosity during Kaleidoscope allows us to sustain projects and programs that benefit our patients and their families all year long.”

About $65,000 of the total earnings from this year’s Kaleidoscope will help fund the Family Lounge Project at the Neurological Sciences Patient Care Center in The Nebraska Medical Center.

The Neurological Sciences Patient Care Center meets the needs of more than 2,000 people who are hospitalized annually with conditions such as stroke, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

The Family Lounge Project will feature a welcome center, comfortable and private seating options, custom artwork, a beverage station, a learning center with computer and Internet access, a library of health care materials in both printed and electronic formats and guest restrooms.

The subdued environment will allow patients and families a place of tranquility as well as educational opportunities to learn more about what their loved ones in the Neurological Patient Care Center are facing.

Kaleidoscope 2007 co-chairs are Louise Rownd and Dana Dyksterhuis. The Auxiliary graciously funds a variety of programs and projects throughout the medical center including arts and crafts sessions for pediatric patients, Lollipop Theater screenings and the Tree of Lights.

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