EVENTS FOR PLAY
Events for play are opportunities for families to spend the day together and have fun while surrounded by a community of people who understand the challenges they are facing. During these events, families can be completely comfortable knowing that as they share in a light-hearted, joyful experience, their child is just like everyone else in the room.
Spring Fling
Families are invited to celebrate the spring season with egg hunts for both younger and older children, photos with the Easter Bunny, and tons of snacks and prizes.
Back-to-School Bash
The Back-to-School Bash assists NC4K Families in getting ready for their return to school in the fall. Featuring music, food, and games, the event provides each school-aged child with a new backpack, school supplies, clothes, and shoes. In 2023, the Back-to-School Bash also included haircuts, eye screenings, and family photos.
OSU Marching Band Night
Every year, The Ohio State University Marching Band invites our families to join them at Ohio Stadium, observe a rehearsal, and play group games together on the field. Then, NC4K Families join the band in marching the traditional Script Ohio, singing OSU’s alma mater, “Carmen Ohio,” and enjoying yummy treats.
Trunk or Treat
At our Trunk or Treat event, families can dress up together and go trick-or-treating from car to car, or sign up to decorate their own trunk and pass out candy themselves. There is also pumpkin painting and plenty of treats!
Reindeer Games Holiday Party
NC4K Families gather for fun and festivities at our Reindeer Games Holiday Party. In addition to enjoying food, games, and photos with Santa, parents are invited to select gifts for their children at the Santa Shop, and kids can pick out gifts for their parents at the Elf Shop. Families also have the opportunity to be adopted by the NC4K community and receive a box of presents for the entire family.
In 2023, NC4K hosted 13 events for play.
Here’s what our families had to say:
“I loved everything about the Back-to-School Bash. It was very nice to see everyone and the smile on my kids when they received all their things. Thank you NC4K.”
“We love the opportunity to see Santa, the superheroes, and get professional pictures. These are all things we haven't been able to do since diagnosis nearly two years ago and this was a safe place to do those things.”
“We value the connections we have made with other families and these events are the only way we keep in contact with families like ours. It also really helps my son to feel a sense of belonging somewhere where people understand.”
You can put a smile on the faces of our Heroes and their families when you make a contribution towards our events for play.
Are you a pediatric cancer family with a question about our events for play?
Contact Whitney, Family Services Manager, at whitney@nc4k.org.