Lakewood preschooler’s video wins big for Children’s Hospital
The Gumz family heft the $30,000 check for Children' Hospital. Taking part in Friday's announcement are (from left) Molly Oliver of the Children's Hospital Foundation, Rebekah Gumz, Schannon Gumz, Aiden Gumz, and Kathy Andersen and Lori Gower of the Primrose School of Bear Creek.
LAKEWOOD – A video compiled by a student at a Lakewood day care center and his family cashed in Friday, winning $30,000 for Children’s Hospital and a bit of cash for the family Friday.
Aiden Gumz, a student at Primrose School of Bear Creek, and his parents won the grand prize in Primrose Schools’ annual nationwide Family Dance-off, the second consecutive year Denver’s Children’s Hospital benefited from a Colorado family’s grand-prize win.
Last year, a Colorado Springs family took top honors in the Dance-off, which promotes the battle against childhood obesity through its partnership with the Children’s Miracle network. The money goes to Children’s Hospital’s “unrestricted fund” to meet whatever needs arise, said Molly Oliver of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The Gumz family literally “hippity-hopped” to the top when their “FrogP” dance video was selected as the best in the nation by a panel of independent judges and boosted by an overwhelming number of telephone calls voting for the video at the Family Dance-off Web site www.FamilyDanceoff.com .
After the family learned about the Dance-off from Aiden’s school, they jumped at the chance to participate.
Aiden’s mom, Rebekah Gumz devoted weeks to sewing costumes and writing a song about a royal family of frogs dancing in the forest. Aiden sang the song on the video, in which Gumz family and their dog Sugar Bear wore frog costumes as they dance through the snow. The video emphasizes the fun of playing outside, even in wintry weather.
“We’re definitely not dancers, but we love to be active and have fun. The Family Dance-off seemed like a great way to help others and have fun as a family,” said Rebekah Gumz.
“My husband (Schannon) was unsure about dressing up as a frog, but was willing to help for a good cause,” she added.
“We moved to Colorado for a more active lifestyle,” said Rebekah. “We love to be outdoors – sledding, snowboarding, riding the snowmobile during the winter, and hiking and camping in the summer. Spending time as a family doing fun, physical activities help you create memories and bond like nothing else.”
The Family Dance-off is part of Primrose’s commitment to “Happy hearts and healthy bodies” in each of its preschools and communities.
“The Gumz family, and the hundreds of families across the country who participated in the Family Dance-off this year, have inspired us with their passion to support children’s health,” said Jo Kirchner, president and CEO of Primrose Schools. “It is our pleasure to make a second $30,000 donation to The Children’s Hospital to honor their efforts.”
“Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and The Children’s Hospital Foundation are thrilled to once again promote healthy lifestyle awareness by supporting Primrose Schools’ Family Dance-off,” said Oliver, CMNH event coordinator for The Children’s Hospital Foundation. “On behalf of the 158,000 children and their families who depend on The Children’s Hospital, we are grateful to have community partners like Primrose Schools to promote the importance of safe physical activity and family fun.”
Primrose Schools, founded in 1982, provides accredited early childhood education and child care services in more than 200 schools in 16 states. Primrose School’s foundation is based on high quality education with a balance of learning, character development and play. For more information, visit www.primroseschools.com.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion to support research and training, purchase equipment and pay for uncompensated care. Learn more at www.CMNHospitals.org .
“On behalf of The Children’s Hospital, we would like to thank Primrose Schools and all participating families for their support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Family Dance-off,” said Cary Larger, senior vice president of The Children’s Hospital Foundation. “This contest provided a fantastic opportunity for families across the country to engage in fun and healthy physical activity while raising awareness about childhood obesity risk and pediatric health care.”
