October 21, 2024 – Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) partnered on the first of a series of events in support of “Broward: Read for the Record,” an annual CSC event that promotes early literacy by bringing together thousands of children and adults across Broward County to read the same book on the same day.
At the children’s hospital, United States Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Broward County School Board Vice Chair Debra Hixon, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital CEO Caitlin Stella, and Cindy Arenberg, president/CEO of Children’s Services
Council of Broward County, read Piper Chen Sings to kids undergoing treatment. The book, by Grammy winner and Tony-nominated actress Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, is a story about a young girl who loves to express herself through song. When asked to perform solo in front of an audience, Piper uses the nervous butterflies in her tummy to muster the courage to find her voice on stage.
This is the 10th year of Read for the Record in Broward County, but the first time an event was held to include kids from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “We know that reading is an important part of a child’s enrichment and development, and an event like this is a welcome respite for kids undergoing treatment,” said Stella. “It also brings the children’s hospital to the center of the community and reinforces that we can use books to empower all kids.”
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, the hospital, part of Memorial Healthcare System, combines advanced technology, the expertise of one of the largest and most diverse groups of board-certified pediatric specialists in the region, and a focus on patient and family-centered care to heal the body, mind, and spirit.
To learn more, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.
The Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) is an independent taxing authority that funds programs to support the well-being of children and families. Established by a public referendum in 2000 and reauthorized in 2014, CSC focuses on early childhood education, after-school care, and family support. By collaborating with community partners, the Council ensures children in Broward County grow up healthy, safe, and prepared for success in school and life. CSC provides leadership, advocacy, and resources through strategic planning and funding aimed at empowering children to become responsible and productive adults.
Follow on Twitter at @CSCBroward and on Facebook. For more information about the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, visit www.cscbroward.org.