For Immediate Release: August 18, 2009

Contact: Molly Sorrell Development Officer Friends of St. John's (217) 544-6464, ext. 45722

St. John’s Children’s Hospital to dedicate Healing Garden

CMN Miracle Kids to decorate Healing Pots

SPRINGFIELD – The Healing Garden at St. John’s Children’s Hospital will formally be dedicated on Wednesday, August 19, at noon. The Healing Garden is located on the 5th Floor of St. John’s Children’s Hospital. It will be open from 12:30– 2 p.m. for donors and the general public.

With a log cabin, reflecting pool and a floating marble fountain, the Healing Garden is a place for patients and families to relax and spend some time outdoors.

“While the Healing Garden is a unique setting for quiet reflection, it also features some fun, interactive activities,” said Bob Ritz, president and CEO of St. John’s Hospital. “Its special features include a drawing board, sand/water table, periscope and a waterfall.”

The Children’s Healing Garden was made possible through contributions and funds raised from Toast of the Town, a series of theme-based parties hosted by individuals on behalf of St. John’s, and from contributions from staff members through the Lighting the Way employee giving campaign.

Healing Pots
Green View Nursery is sponsoring a “Healing Pots” event that morning. CMN Miracle Kids and their families are invited to visit the Healing Garden and decorate a flower pot. These pots will be used as centerpieces at Green View Nursery’s “Harvest of Miracles” event on September 24. Harvest of Miracles is a fundraising event to benefit Children’s Miracle Network at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.