I met Jessica Ekstrom at the “Bloggy Con” Conference in Cincinnati. She shared her story of why she founded Headbands of Hope and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.
…
Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Bluegrass for Babies Concert
In an earlier post, Ann, the co founder of Bluegrass for Babies, shared about why they started their non profit.
You can read her interview here.
There is also an upcoming event that you can support and enjoy with your whole family.
The 5th Annual Bluegrass Concert is coming up on Saturday, September 21, 2013
What is it?
Running from 3-9pm, the concert will feature performances by some of the region’s top bluegrass bands, plenty of family-friendly activities, a variety of vendors, local and organic concessions and more.
In celebration of its 5th anniversary, Bluegrass for Babies has brought together a concert lineup featuring performances by some of the region’s top bluegrass bands – Wild Carrot, Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, and The 23 String Band.
Wild Carrot will kick things off, performing at 3:00pm in its inaugural appearance with the Comet Bluegrass All-Stars taking to the stage at 5:00pm. Rounding out the evening at 6:45 pm will be newcomer and rising star, The 23 String Band out of Louisville. Special guest Jennifer Ellis will also perform her popular children’s songs at 4:15pm.
What to look forward to this year
Today Bluegrass for Babies is a year-round non-profit organization focused on improving children’s health and becoming a go-to resource when it comes to helping parents create an environment to raise healthy children, right from the start. This year’s concert-goers can partake in six interactive experiences – Farmer’s Market, Healthy Home, Family Wellness, Art and Music, Movement, and Special Needs.
Farmer’s Market: Enjoy local, sustainably raised food from our Green B.E.A.N. Delivery Concession Stands, sample free guacamole from Chipotle, and choose from several locally made desserts. This area will also be the hub of a variety of farm-to-table themed kids’ activities
Healthy Home: Learn simple steps to create a healthier home environment.
Family Wellnes: Take part in activities promoting healthy habits and disease prevention.
Movement: Burn off energy through exercise activities such as soccer, basketball, and more!
Art & Music: Nurture childhood development through numerous art and music activities.
Special Needs Quiet Area: In the event of overstimulation, the Special Needs Quiet Area will provide a quiet refuge for special needs children and their families. This area is sponsored by the Merrill Lynch YHSA Group of Dayton.
What makes this concert and it’s vendors so special
All of the participating exhibitors and vendors were handpicked to be a part of the Bluegrass for Babies experience based on their commitment to provide products or services to help create a safe environment to raise healthy children.
“What really sets up apart is that we use our fundraising events, such as the Bluegrass for Babies Benefit Concert, as a way for families to experience a healthy lifestyle. No matter the size of our event, we offer healthy real food choices, we limit any potential exposure to environmental toxins, and we aim to create zero waste. Last year, we even won the 2012 Excellence in Public Recycling Award by Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District,” said co-founder Anne Schneider.
**New this year, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal from the Green B.E.A.N. Delivery concession stand until 6:00 pm. One free kids meal per one purchased adult meal.
Tickets for the Bluegrass for Babies benefit concert
** $15 for adults in advance and $20 day of, with children admitted for FREE.
Presale period ends Friday, September 20, 2013 at 10:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.bluegrassforbabies.com.
Parking is $8 in the Sawyer Point parking lot. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10+ adults until Friday, September 20.
Also new in 2013, Bluegrass for Babies is offering sponsorship packages for families and organizations within the Bluegrass for Babies community. This is a great way for supporters to enjoy VIP perks at the benefit concert, like guaranteed parking. For more information, please visit www.bluegrassforbabies.com.
The Bluegrass for Babies benefit concert has raised nearly $80,000 for Cincinnati Children’s since its inception in 2009. For more information, visit the Bluegrass for Babies website at www.bluegrassforbabies.com.
About Bluegrass for Babies:
Founded in 2009, Bluegrass for Babies, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 focused on improving children’s health. Launched as an annual bluegrass benefit concert, Bluegrass for Babies has evolved into an organization that provides tools, resources, and year-round special events centered on helping parents create an environment to raise healthy children, right from the start. The organization supports the Perinatal Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which provides comprehensive care for infants before, during and after delivery so that all children can have the best start to life. More information is available online at www.bluegrassforbabies.com.
I’ve been given 2 tickets to giveaway to the Bluegrass for Babies Benefit Concert on September 21st!
(Remember kids 12 and under are FREE)
Disclosure: I was given tickets for giveaway and review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Interview with the founders of Bluegrass for Babies
Over the summer, my husband and I were invited to attend a fundraiser at Gorman Heritage Farms for Bluegrass for Babies.
The setting was gorgeous, the local food from some of the city’s best local chefs was incredible and the heart behind Anne and Matt, who started this non profit, helped me understand why they are so passionate about their organization, Bluegrass for Babies.
I asked Anne a few questions to tell us more about Bluegrass for Babies.
What is the story behind Bluegrass for Babies?
My husband Matt and I started Bluegrass for Babies as a way to give back to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Our son Nicholas required life-saving surgery at the hospital when he was less than two days old and after receiving world-class emergency care; we wanted to be able to show our gratitude. We married our passion for the roots of American music – bluegrass music, to the roots of planting a healthy start for children.
When did you start Bluegrass for Babies?
In September 2009, we repurposed our annual backyard neighborhood barbecue into a benefit for Children’s and Bluegrass for Babies was born.
What was an obstacle/challenge you had to overcome in achieving your goals?
Bluegrass for Babies has evolved into an organization that provides tools, resources, and year-round special events centered on helping parents create an environment to raise healthy children, right from the start. There is a huge need for these resources currently because of the prevalence of health issues with our children and so many unknowns surrounding our present environment. We have an incredible amount of opportunity, and the greatest challenge we have is to pace ourselves so that we grow effectively.
How do you balance running a non profit with your other responsibilities?
I have to be very conscious of managing my time. My kids were really babies when Bluegrass for Babies began and now my youngest is starting Pre K. Next fall they will both be in school full time. I have had to be very efficient with my kid free time. I try not to do anything during this time that I can easily do with kids. So, that means that I am not cleaning the house while the kids are at school. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to arrange “ babysitting swaps” with friends for some budget friendly childcare. For instance, I will watch my friend’s girls one afternoon a week and she will watch my boys one afternoon a week. That way the kids get to play together, and we both manage to get some time to ourselves. It is definitely full of its challenges, but the end results are worth it.
What are some of your favorite experiences with Bluegrass for Babies so far?
I have really enjoyed the sense of community I have discovered in Cincinnati and nationally with so many people who have the same goals – to give back to our children and to our future. It gives me hope that collectively we can make a difference. Additionally, it has been such an honor to work with the leaders of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. We are truly very fortunate to have such talent in our backyards, and I am humbled to be able to partner with Cincinnati Children’s to change the outcome.
Do you have any favorite reactions or responses from Bluegrass for Babies recipients?
My favorite response is seeing the educational lessons we provide taking place in the community. It is motivating to have individuals and organizations contact us about how they can implement more nutritious food options, minimize toxins and reduce waste in their homes, events and companies.
What would you like to see Bluegrass for Babies doing in the future?
I would like to see Bluegrass for Babies continue to grow as a resource to help advance perinatal environmental research and to continue to educate the community on ways to improve our environment to directly improve children’s health.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start something in their community as a way to give back?
I would advise them to start small, engage your friends, reach out to like-minded influencers and just do it. I also think you always need to be flexible and adapt.
How can someone get involved with Bluegrass for Babies?
There are many ways to get involved with Bluegrass for Babies. We are always looking for volunteers for a variety of positions. Additionally, we are constantly seeking business partners and sponsors who have similar goals. We also have many community and family sponsor opportunities or you can attend one of our events. www.bluegrassforbabies.com
Thanks to Anne for sharing her story.
Bluegrass for Babies has an upcoming fundraiser concert coming up that you can support.
Cards that Care * 5 Card Challenge Update
Several weeks ago, Erin from A bird and a bean, and I issued our readers a challenge to make 5 homemade cards for heart/stroke patients. I was contacted by Elisa, who shared about why heart patients were dear to her heart and the desire to bring homemade cards to heart patients to help brighten their day. (you can read more about that here)
I’m happy to announce that there were over 700 homemade cards and trinkets donated!!!!!!
A lot of our donations went to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Heart Institute.
Elisa dropped off the donations with Amy Howe from the American Heart Association. The picture below is Jean (on the left) who is an RN as Amy (on the right) shared one of the donated homemade cards.
Due to privacy at the hospital, they were unable to get a lot of pictures of the cards with the patients. They were able to get this picture of a patient receiving a card. He has been going to the hospital for treatment for most of his life and was there for a check up.
It puts a smile on my face to think that over 700 heart/stroke patients, who are going through a really difficult time, will have a brighter day because of you.
Thanks so much to everyone who participated!
I would love to do this again sometime in the future. This is something that anyone can do in any city!
Small things done with great love can change the world!