It isn’t easy being a child in a hospital. Time away from friends, school, and normal routines can be difficult for both young patients and their families.
To make hospital stays less intimidating, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland offers the Child Life Program, giving kids comforting, creative outlets.
Led by specialists, the creative arts programming is supported entirely by philanthropy — which is why an upcoming fundraiser benefiting it is so vital.
Called The Phoenix Boutique, the annual event will take place at the Boundary Oak Golf Club in Walnut Creek on Nov. 17 from 3-7 p.m.
The fundraiser, themed “Sip, Shop and Smile,” is free and open to the public. The event will feature 18 vendors, complimentary catered appetizers, a no-host bar, relaxing massages, live music, and a variety of enticing raffle prizes.
Event organizers believe it’s a great way to give back while having fun and getting a jump-start on holiday shopping, with plenty of unique gift selections from local artisans.
The Phoenix Boutique founder, Julia Minasian, believes that creative expression helps alleviate some of the stress children with chronic health conditions experience.
“Engaging in creativity offers physical and emotional benefits,” said Minasian. “The brain releases a combination of neurotransmitters and hormones, helping children regulate their nervous systems, process their experience expressively, and find much-needed distraction.”
All funds raised will go towards the Child Life Program, with an emphasis on art therapy, she added.
As an artist and local small-business owner, Minasian is also a member of Rowan Branch, a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization established to raise funds for UCSF Benioff Oakland.
To date, the branch has raised more than $5 million — helping fund equipment and services for thousands of children.
Bettina Pletkin, co-chair of Rowan Branch, recalled how members enthusiastically stepped up to help Minasian print flyers and solicit raffle donations for The Phoenix Boutique.
“The Children’s Hospital is a very special place. It’s amazing the impact it can have in the lives of hospitalized kids and their families,” said Pletkin.
Pletkin, an advocate of the Child Life Program, understands firsthand the challenges families face when a child receives hospital care.
She became involved with Rowan Branch after her daughter received neurological care at the hospital and her son underwent several orthopedic surgeries there.
The Child Life Program helps children aged five through young adults cope with the stress of hospital stays through age-appropriate activities, including play, music, art, and pet therapies.
UCSF Benioff Oakland also provides adaptive services enabling disabled children to participate in program activities.
Rechelle Porter, associate director of Child Life Services at UCSF Benioff Oakland, said art therapy is particularly valuable for patients dealing with long-term illness.
“Rather than focusing simply on the finished artwork, the therapy uses the creative process to help children cope with fear and anxiety,” said Porter.
The art therapy program also provides a welcome sense of community for families, said Porter, who has watched parents and other caregivers in group sessions become calmer, smile, and connect with others who understand what they are experiencing.
One grateful parent said art therapy gave her six-year-old daughter, Melanie, a sense of accomplishment when she was in the hospital and felt things were out of her control.
“She looked forward to every session, and it helped her express emotions, build confidence, and find joy during an incredibly difficult year. She wasn’t just a patient — she was an artist.”
Visit The Phoenix Boutique for more information at Sipgoods.com/pages/the-phoenix-boutique-annual-fundraiser-sip-shop-smile