An average day for Michelle Stoddart, Director of PR and Community Relations; May Uri, Vice President of Human Resources; Joe DeVito, Director of Player Development at Resorts World Casino New York City involves long hours filled with planning and executing business objectives. Due to their hectic schedules, time is extremely valuable and scarce.
However, on April 12th, in celebration of National Drop Everything and Read Day (D.E A.R. Day) the executives dropped everything on their busy schedules to join Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s leadership in dedicating their time to read books to children staying in the hospital’s Pediatric Unit. Also joining the group were reporters from NY1 News, the Queens Chronicle and Queens Courier newspapers.
National Drop Everything and Read Day is an observance devoted to events and activities that encourage the love of reading among children. Adults and children participating in D.E.A.R. Day are asked to take at least 30 minutes out of their routines to dive into a good book.
“We know firsthand how important story time and other fun activities are to children admitted to our hospital. Our Pediatric team aims to create an environment that makes children feel at home. A Child Life Specialist is on staff to ensure a positive experience by facilitating recreational and educational activities.” stated Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Jamaica Hospital.
“Drop Everything and Read Day shines a spotlight on the importance of reading and we were excited to put down our work for a day, pick up some great books and share the experience with these inspirational children,” said Scott Molina, President of Resorts World.
In addition to reading stories on D.E.A.R Day, executives from Resorts World toured Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Unit and Emergency Department to view newly installed wall mounted, activity centers donated by the casino. The pediatric activity centers are designed to help develop children’s motor and sensory systems.
“We are grateful for the donation of the pediatric activity centers. Our team will utilize these tools to engage children in play and help ease their anxieties,” said Jamaica Hospital Child Life Specialist Tracey Kunj-Ramen.
To read more about our D.E.A.R. Day event at Jamaica Hospital, please click the following links: