Students in Deer Valley’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) raised over $15, 000 for “Mendy’s Place,” the child-friendly emergency care unit at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Deer Valley. On April 22, 2006, the SAC spent half of the day conducting a “Teddy Bear Clinic,” where the students teamed up with hospital staff to conduct a tour of the center for 100 children and their teddy bears to expose them to the hospital environment. With the help of their Teddy Bears, the children could see what to expect if they ever need treatment. The rest of the day was spent facilitating the “Just One” campaign as a fundraiser for pediatric unit equipment, including KidsZone, Wee Care and Mendy’s Place

The twenty-two students chosen to be on the SAC began the day by touring “Mendy’s Place,” named after the emergency center’s lovable mascot. Mendy’s Place is the only emergency center in the North Valley staffed, designed and equipped exclusively for kids. Ready to treat a wide variety of injuries and illnesses, the center features child-size medical equipment and furniture along with brightly colored décor. The SAC companioned the children and their Teddy’s on the tour, while parents received any information they needed. The kids also enjoyed games and art projects to complete the fun-filled trip to John C. Lincoln. The SAC, however, had more work to do.

The second half of the day was spent raising funds for the “Just One” campaign, encouraging all 34,000 of Deer Valley District students to donate “just one” dollar toward pediatric hospital equipment. By working with individual schools, PTAs, local businesses and the community, the campaign raised $15, 084 which the hospital will use to fulfill pediatric care needs.