VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
HATS OFF TO MARZENA BAKUN
Marzena Bakun first became involved as a volunteer with Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation in September of 2006, when we hosted our first Great Escapes in Orlando. From the beginning, she has worked in many capacities, although her favorite is the hands-on interaction she gets with the children and families during a Great Escapes event. Marzena resides in Orlando with her husband Nick and their two dogs and works as a pediatric occupational therapist.
As a pediatric OT, Marzena spends her day with children with special needs and their families. She sees the need for a program like Great Escapes and she feels that in addition to the respite provided to the families, getting the children out into the community is vital for de-stigmatization.
Since coming on board, Marzena has assisted with other Great Escapes events including "Day for Kids" and has worked numerous hours helping to prepare for these events. She has a love for children that is evident in her interactions with them. In addition to her work with Starlight Starbright, Marzena serves on the board of the Autism Society of Greater Orlando.
We are always looking for dynamic volunteers to assist with our Great Escapes events. If you would like more information or are interested in getting involved, contact us at 407.222.5026 in the Orlando area.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
THE FLORIDA OFFICE HOSTS ITS FIRST GREAT ESCAPES IN ORLANDO
 Orlando's Great Escapes program kicked off its first event in a messy, but delicious, way! Farris & Foster's Fine Chocolates kindly sponsored and hosted Starlight Starbright in their Baldwin Park store location on Saturday, September 16th. Through their generosity, our families were able to become chocolatiers for the evening - playing in rivers, waterfalls, and bubbling vats of milk and dark chocolate.
With over a pound of chocolate each, every family member had plenty of chocolate to custom create their own delicious treats. After their creations had time to set, families were provided with individual boxes to pack up their treats to take home and enjoy.
"I was a little nervous about my first event. But as I watched the families smile and laugh, I felt my nervousness fade away. For two hours, these families were able to simply be families. There were no thoughts about doctors, treatments, and hospitals. Oftentimes, our families aren't able to take on another task - even one such as planning a fun event and that is way our Great Escapes program is so important" said Beccy Hosoda, the new Great Escapes Coordinator for Orlando. 
A great time was truly had by all! Starlight Starbright would like to thank Farris & Foster's Fine Chocolates for making this event possible.
In upcoming months, Great Escapes families will enjoy attending Really Rosie, stage show based on the book by Maurice Sendak; Dinner & A Movie; Shriner's Circus; and a Mother's Day Brunch.
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