This fall, Teed off at Cancer, founded by Tom “T-Bone” and Jana Bounds, joined forces with Party City for a special cause – to make a difference in the lives of sick children. The duo held its first fundraiser with a goal to send pediatric cancer patients at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio to Camp Discovery, a children’s oncology camp that provides a fun and normal summer camp experience for children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Six San Antonio Party City locations and one store in Laredo collected donations at registers from generous Party City customers over the Halloween season. Together, their efforts raised more than $80,000 – providing enough funds to send 61 patients to camp. How incredible is that?!

An official check presentation was held at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio yesterday, just in time for the 144^th anniversary of the opening of the Santa Rosa Infirmary, the first hospital in San Antonio. Several members of the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio medical staff have invested themselves in the mission of Camp Discovery, many of them using personal vacation time to attend the week-long summer camp each year as medical volunteers. Their ongoing commitment to Camp Discovery is a testament of the value of the program and the physical and emotional healing power it can create for sick children.

Many of the great things we see happening in our community today start with an idea and the passion to make a difference. Every action causes a reaction and we are blessed to have supporters, like Teed Off at Cancer and Party City, who are willing and generous enough to give of their time, talents and efforts to help others.

As we move into the new year, we reflect on our blessing from 2013 and thank our donors and community partners for their continued support. In 2014, we will continue to provide comprehensive and innovative services to all the patients we serve. We are deeply and permanently committed to the mission and responsibility of providing care to those in need.

Remember, December is the last month to make your tax deductible year-end donation to the The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation or the Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation and we invite you to consider making your gift today. Your partnership and support is vital in enabling us to continue to provide care in San Antonio and South Texas.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!