Throughout the past year of uncertainty, one thing remained decidedly certain: Kids can’t wait. During the global pandemic, children couldn’t wait for a cure or vaccine, or for the curve to flatten, and funds still needed to be raised to provide resources for our patients and families.
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center merged two beloved signature, in-person events into one virtual happening: Kids Can’t Wait — 30 Day Miracle Movement. Kicking off with the Team Hopkins Kids Race and ending with Baltimore Boogie, the Children’s Center’s annual dance marathon, participants — known as Miracle Movers — joined in various virtual events and raised funds from home over the course of 30 days.
Individuals and businesses in the community stepped up to rally behind the patients, families and care providers at the Children’s Center by hosting and supporting the events, sponsoring activities, and asking friends and family members to donate via social media. Core Cycle Studios in Lutherville, for example, hosted virtual and socially distanced in person spin and barre classes as part of the Miracle Movement. The fitness studio was founded on the principle of building relationships and a strong community.
“Giving back is important to us, and we want to be interwoven into the community. So when I heard about the Miracle Movement, it really pulled at my heartstrings,” says Heather Chilcot, founder and owner of Core Cycle Studios. “So many people who come into the studio or join us virtually are quietly fighting things we know nothing about, just like we have no idea what the families are going through at the Children’s Center. Fundraising is important, but so is garnering awareness and education in the midst of a crisis. I’m so proud of how our team came together to be part of this.”
“It felt like in the midst of COVID, this event brought a sense of normalcy,” adds Tracy Newman, one of Core Cycle’s spin instructors. “People were smiling, clapping and singing along to the music –– it was the perfect opportunity to connect our communities and do something that mattered.”
Other virtual events included a wine tasting hosted by the Kendall Burrows Foundation, beer tasting with Team Abby May and Oliver Brewing Co., and a Charm City Trivia event. Throughout the monthlong program, more than 525 Miracle Movers participated in daily activities and events from 31 states across the country, raising more than $207,700 for the Children’s Center.
“We loved participating in the Kids Can’t Wait campaign to give back to the Children’s Center in honor of our son, Bobby, who was a patient in 2018,” says Liz Soper. “We love that our friends and family got to be involved in our team from wherever they are and share in Bobby’s legacy. We can’t wait to participate this year!”
Learn more about this year's KIDS CAN'T WAIT: 30 Day Miracle Movement.