A guest blog by Ashley Leopoulos, Arkansas Children’s Hospital Public Relations Coordinator
Meet Lindsey Gray and Aimee Shelby
The Holiday Season is one of the busiest times of the year for just about anyone… Add to that a bustling local business, six boys and organizing one of the longest-standing fundraising projects in the history of Arkansas Children’s Hospital–and you’ll find Lindsey Gray and Aimee Shelby gracefully juggling it all.
“I chose to become involved with the Holiday Card project because it not only gives me an opportunity to give back to my community, it’s also a unique avenue for the patients to do something great too,” said Lindsey Gray, 2016 Project Chair. “For a child to be able to show their appreciation for the excellent care they received, and at the same time learn about community service, is truly something special,” she adds.
Both mothers of three young boys, Gray and co-chair Aimee Shelby joined the auxiliary after experiencing the quality of care only available at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
“With three boys, you can bet we’ve seen our share of doctors, nurses and staff at ACH,” Aimee says, adding “from the first moment I stepped foot in this hospital, I knew I had to be a part of it, especially as a mother. The care and kindness and hope that fills this place is infectious (for lack of a better word) and you just can’t help but give back.”
As the owner of a local business, Lindsey’s knack for retail and marketing were a natural fit with the Holiday Card Project. Aimee’s sales experience, creativity and organizational skills made these two the perfect match for this year’s fundraiser.
“It’s an honor to be chairing the project this year because the Auxiliary is celebrating 50 years of service to the hospital,” Lindsey adds.
Established in 1967, the Holiday Card project is the oldest fundraisers of the Auxiliary, raising over $50,000 annually. Each year talented patients from across the state and all over the country submit artwork to be turned into cards and mailed out all over the world. New this year, organizers have added an apron, trivet, ornaments and tee shirts, all bearing the beautiful artwork of a former patient.
“We had a tough decision to make this year!” Lindsey said, “So many adorable pieces were submitted. We wish we could have used them all.”
“What’s really great is when we told some of the patients their artwork had been selected,” adds Aimee, “and the parents thanked us for once again giving their children hope and confidence. This is truly a unique project.”
Speaking of hope, Lindsey and Aimee hope you’ll choose to purchase your holiday cards from ACH this year. To order, click here or call 1-800-595-6498.
