A playful visit leads to a record gift and a Hummingbird Award.
With spring upon us and Child Life Month underway, here’s a look at a special visit to the House.
A tradition of support and lots of (spooky!) laughs
The Spirit of Children campaign is a Spirit Halloween initiative that uses the excitement and fun of Halloween to support Child Life departments and ultimately ensure that play, creativity, and emotional support remain central to every child’s experience. Their partnership goes beyond fundraising. Each year, the team takes part in Pumpkin Day, the House’s largest family event, where they set up shop in the Sanctuary and offer free Halloween costumes to our children and families. It is a tradition that brings excitement and a sense of normalcy to the day.
Recently, a team led by Zone Manager Catherine Garcia returned to George Mark Children’s House representing the 14 participating Spirit Halloween stores that supported last year’s Spirit of Children campaign – spanning the East Bay from Hayward to Stockton. Their visit marked a meaningful moment: the presentation of a donation made possible through months of community generosity and effort.
A tour with a twist
As part of their visit, Child Life Specialist Kyle Amsler welcomed the team for a tour of the House. For many of the visitors, it was their first time seeing some of the newer spaces on campus.
Kyle showed the team how their support comes to life for our patients — from music, pet, horticulture, and art therapies to updates in the sensory room. She also shared some of the legacy-making work that is now part of Child Life, including the new “heartbeat animals,” along with a look at the completed aquatic center and progress on the all-abilities playground. This tour, however, came with a playful twist.
At select stops along the way, George Mark staff surprised the group with curious swags, turning the experience into a lighthearted “trick or treat.” The unexpected moments brought laughter and added a sense of fun as the team learned more about the care and experiences their support helps make possible.
Kyle spoke about what it means to see partners like Spirit of Children continue to show up for the House year after year. “It’s always meaningful to see this kind of commitment grow over time,” said Kyle. “What they’ve built with us is not just support, it’s a relationship that truly benefits our children and families in lasting ways.”
One gift, one award, one purpose
The visit culminated in a gathering to celebrate the impact of the campaign. This year, the Spirit of Children effort raised a record $106,000 to support Child Life programming at George Mark Children’s House.
After the check presentation, and with one more treat under the GMCH top hat, the team received a final surprise.
In recognition of their ongoing commitment and generosity, founder Dr. Kathy Hull presented Catherine Garcia and the Spirit of Children team with a George Mark Hummingbird Award.
The Hummingbird Award honors individuals and partners who have made a lasting impact on the George Mark community. Inspired by the hummingbird’s symbolism of hope, resilience, and the power of small actions, the award recognizes those whose contributions continue to uplift children and families in meaningful ways. Catherine and her team now join a distinguished group of awardees whose support has helped shape the George Mark experience.
From a playful tour to a record-setting gift, it was a day that brought it all into focus.
As we mark Child Life Month, it is a reminder of how partnership, creativity, and community support the care we provide each day.
