DUNKIN’ JOY IN CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION AND STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION CELEBRATE ROOM RENOVATIONS AT UPSTATE GOLISANO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

New Starlight Spaces result of $40,000 donation from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation

SYRACUSE, NY – The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, today announced that it will help bring joy to pediatric patients at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital with the completed renovations of two therapy rooms at the hospital in Syracuse, NY.

The new Starlight Spaces are the result of a $40,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation to the children’s hospital to provide pediatric patients with more joy during a hospital stay. Starlight Spaces transform hospital environments into bright, fun, kid-friendly spaces that help bring families and friends together while meeting patient needs.

“We’re honored to partner with Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital to provide pediatric patients with two new therapy rooms, which provide an environment that is vibrant, fun and reminds them of the joy of childhood,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “The Joy in Childhood Foundation and our Central New York Dunkin’ franchisees are honored to support the children and families undergoing treatment in our community.”

The newly renovated rooms at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital feature a colorful underwater aquatic theme, new carpeting, cupboards, a new adjustable exam table and a fun magnetic wall used for pediatric therapy sessions.

“Our pediatric therapist said the makeover in the rooms are so comforting to the youngest of the patients, making it easier for them to complete therapy sessions without a child getting anxious,” said Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Development for the Upstate Foundation Toni Gary.

The Starlight Spaces program transforms indoor and outdoor environments by providing an update, partial renovation or total overhaul to an existing space. By re-imagining playrooms, treatment rooms, waiting areas, family kitchens, lounges and outdoor playgrounds, pediatric patients and their families can relax and enjoy their time together. Approximately 100 Starlight Spaces have transformed the hospital experience for more than 3.2 million seriously ill kids.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation brings together a wide range of stakeholders — including franchisees, crew members, employees, partners and guests — and partners with children’s hospitals, food banks and nonprofit organizations directly committed to serving kids when they need it most. For more information, please visit www.bringjoy.org.

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About the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation 

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’ and the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees, provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children’s hospitals and nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $30 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country. For more information, please visit http://www.bringjoy.org/.

About Starlight Children’s Foundation
Starlight Children’s Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that delivers happiness to seriously ill children and their families. Since 1982, Starlight programs have brought smiles to more than 17M hospitalized kids by helping them heal faster. With your help, more kids and families can enjoy Starlight Virtual Reality, Starlight Hospital Wear, Starlight Gaming, and other Starlight programs that deliver happiness at a children’s hospital or health care facility near you. To donate or for more information, visit www.starlight.org.