Holiday Toy Run...prelim planning

Igofastr · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2016, 04:38 PM

Last year at the Shriners was a nice experience, but I think most of us preferred our visits to the old Sutter Memorial Hospital.

Alas, that hospital is no more.

But fear not! The pediatric ward just moved across town into their new digs at Sutter Medical Center Sacramento (an expanded and improved version of Sutter General). As most of you know, the layout of the new hospital is not as amenable to a bunch of noisy old sports cars parking in close proximity. However, WE WILL GET IT DONE THIS YEAR.

I've spoken with a representative from Child Life (the group at the hospital that arranges things like this) and they assure me that we were missed. We're working on a plan with the parking department to get us as close as possible to the kids, so that everyone involved can interact and have the best possible experience.

For the time being, I need us to decide a date and time. December 17th is the third Saturday, and most likely will work for the hospital. WILL IT WORK FOR YOU?

I'd like to meet for breakfast (Perko's?) beforehand. If I recall correctly, we would usually plan on showing up at the hospital at about 10 am. What say you?

I told the Child Life representative that I would get back to her early next week, so it would be nice if you could pass the word on, and please reply to this posting so I have a sense of how it's all going over.

Until then, all the best. Ron

pgermond · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2016, 06:45 PM

Good work, Ron. We're in for sure

Jim Norris · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2016, 09:12 PM

Thanks Ron. Count us in.

Shootnride · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2016, 04:49 AM

Works for me.

Thanks Ron

Ted

patf11 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-11-2016, 08:31 AM

Appreciate the effort Ron.

We are also in.

Patrick

FFR 3099 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-11-2016, 11:05 AM

Works for me, I'll past the word to Larson, Brian and Murray

Igofastr · #7 (**permalink**) 11-11-2016, 11:20 AM

Thanks to those who have already responded. And a special thanks to those of you who have offered to contact others. This is typically our best attended event, for good reason.

Happy Veteran's Day.

johnc427 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-11-2016, 03:57 PM

Connie and I are in. Thanks Ron

decooney · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2016, 09:12 PM

Hey Ron, i'm in. Sorry for not responding sooner. I've been over there a bit lately so if you want me to check out logistics or reach out to anyone internally too, let me know. I brought it up at the last leadership symposium and a few folks offered possible help, added support.

Igofastr · #10 (**permalink**) 11-18-2016, 08:25 AM

Duane,

Thanks for the offer. Hopefully we've got it under control.

The child life rep is working with parking to see if we can't figure out a way to have us park in front of the main entrance to the women's and children's hospital. It will mean rearranging how they do valet parking, and probably also use the fire lane. Alternatively, there is a bridge that goes from the second floor of the hospital directly to the top of the parking garage. We may be able to reserve that top level for us, and have the kids come across the bridge. I think that the kids who can't come down would still be able to see the cars from above.

Those are the first two options we discussed. Later today I'll give a call and see how it's working out. We'll get it done, one way or another.

Ron

Holbrook · #11 (**permalink**) 11-27-2016, 01:56 PM

Count Renee, Luke, Matthew and me in.

SN8K IS · #12 (**permalink**) 12-01-2016, 07:02 PM

Ron:

Sorry for the delay in responding, I haven't been checking the website as regularly as I should. Pam & I are in as long as we aren't snowed in up here. We'll need some help with the particulars, since this will be our first time, but would love to be to do this.

Bill

Igofastr · #13 (**permalink**) 12-02-2016, 08:23 AM

Guys,

Everything is set up. I'll put out another announcement with maps etc over the weekend. Plan on meeting at Perkos at 8 am, and arriving at the hospital around 10 am. We'll have an area on the top of the parking garage cordoned off. There is a bridge that leads from the hospital where the kids can come directly to where we'll be.

Unfortunately, concerns about the kids safety precluded us from using the alley in front of the hospital entrance. While we could have made room for our cars, patients and visitors would still have to drive down that narrow alley to reach the entrance. Officials were concerned that children wandering between our cars might be in harms way. Sounds reasonable to me.

The location in the parking structure will be secure, and will have easy access for the children.

Hope to see you all there.

pgermond · #14 (**permalink**) 12-02-2016, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Igofastr

Guys,

Everything is set up. I'll put out another announcement with maps etc over the weekend. Plan on meeting at Perkos at 8 am, and arriving at the hospital around 10 am. We'll have an area on the top of the parking garage cordoned off. There is a bridge that leads from the hospital where the kids can come directly to where we'll be.

Unfortunately, concerns about the kids safety precluded us from using the alley in front of the hospital entrance. While we could have made room for our cars, patients and visitors would still have to drive down that narrow alley to reach the entrance. Officials were concerned that children wandering between our cars might be in harms way. Sounds reasonable to me.

The location in the parking structure will be secure, and will have easy access for the children.

Hope to see you all there.

Excellent

johnc427 · #15 (**permalink**) 12-02-2016, 05:09 PM

Thanks again Ron...once again you have pulled off a wonderful event!

Shootnride · #16 (**permalink**) 12-02-2016, 05:29 PM

Ron,

I was curious if hospital staff had made any recommendations for what type of gifts are needed (age range, girls, boys, etc.).

Thanks,

Ted

decooney · #17 (**permalink**) 12-03-2016, 04:23 PM

Ron,
excellent, the logistics of the garage location is going to be much more suitable for the kids, staff, and better for us too. I was kind of wondering when you mentioned the new hospital area, that alley and access area is tight enough as it is just getting in/out of there as a patient... so you got it solved. It will be nice for us to just be out of the way. Great work Ron, thanks for getting this worked out so well for everyone. Much appreciated.

737Driver · #18 (**permalink**) 12-04-2016, 10:26 PM

I'm in! Finally an event I have the time off for!

decooney · #19 (**permalink**) 12-06-2016, 07:25 AM

GO HERE for NEW & Latest info: 2016 Toy Run

Igofastr · #20 (**permalink**) 12-06-2016, 09:09 AM

Here is the cut and paste version:

This is it, THE OFFICIAL TOY RUN ANNOUNCEMENT !

Dust off your caps, clean out your carbs, lube your axles…whatever it takes.

It’s time to round up some toys and join friends, new and old.

When: Saturday, 8 am, December 17

Where: First meet at Perko’s for breakfast, then caravan over to Sutter Medical Center Sacramento

What: Toys and Santa hats, and lot of ‘em!

As usual, the Hospital requests that we bring unwrapped stuffed animals, play doh, current movies/music, Fisher Price doctor kits, infant mobiles, rattles, crib toys…Remember, there are kids from infants to teenagers. But please, no guns, knives, swords, small balls or other choking hazards.

Remember, this is a RAIN OR SHINE event!!! If it comes to it, you’ll be able to park in a covered garage, so your baby won’t get too wet (your wife might be able to stay dry too)

Map to Perko's
https://www.google.com/maps/place/96...4d-121.3374456

Map to Sutter Medical Center
https://www.google.com/maps/dir//282...8!2d38.5702615