PHOENIX–Desert Schools FCU has made the largest donation ever to Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s formal school program, “1 Darn Cool School,” with a donation of more than $565,000.
On hand to participate in the event were Desert Schools CEO Susan Frank, President Jeff Meshey, and Executive Vice President Ron Amstutz, who have always enjoyed being a part of the occasion.
“Enabling patients to continue to be students while they’re enduring one of the most challenging times of their lives is a wonderful thing we can do,” said DSFCU President Jeff Meshey. “To provide a sense of normalcy is incredibly key to healing, and we fully support PCH’s mission to heal the body through helping young patients build and sustain a strong mind. Being able to make this kind of donation to such an important program is incredibly rewarding for all of us at Desert Schools.”
1 Darn Cool School allows patients to experience a traditional classroom setting while in treatment. The accredited teaching staff works with more than 10,000 patients a year in the hospital classroom to help keep the children academically on track and alleviate any anxiety about falling behind, according to the credit union. 1 Darn Cool School provides year-round individual instruction for all students grades K-12 and even offers various arts classes on Fridays known as “Fine Arts Fridays,” DSFCU added.
Desert Schools reported it raised the funds through a variety of efforts, including an annual charity golf tournament and the Children’s Miracle Network Barbeque.
“These charitable initiatives have enabled Desert Schools to be the sole sponsor of the 1 Darn Cool School Program, which is entirely supported through philanthropic efforts,” the credit union said. “The sponsorship allows PCH to employ a full-time teaching staff, and gives PCH the distinction of being one of only a handful of hospitals in the country that provides schooling for patients. The funds will go toward teacher salaries, additional hiring requirements and purchasing school supplies.
Facilitated through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the contribution marks a total of more than $4.5 million donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital by Desert Schools since 1997.