April 3, 2024

Assistant Director Christina Moreno had a front-row seat on the 18th hole to watch Stephan Jaeger secure his first PGA TOUR victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open! Christina was one of more than 230 volunteers from Texas Children’s at the event.

Working in hospitality, Christina shared her thoughts, “My experience was phenomenal. The atmosphere on the 18th was electric with all the cheering and gasps for near misses. I also had the opportunity to chat with and thank the military veterans as they came in to the venue, and that was very special. The tournament was an amazing way to showcase TCH on a national stage highlighting our values and mission. I would 100% volunteer again.”

Volunteers are an integral part of operating a successful PGA TOUR event. Our team members worked across all areas of the tournament from gallery ambassadors and standard-bearers to evacuation and merchandise teams.

We caught up with some of our other volunteers to get their thoughts on the week:

  • Dr. Dean Andropoulos, Anesthesiologist-in-Chief (Gallery Ambassador 15th hole) – “I am a big fan of golf and wanted to learn how the tournament is run while also representing Texas Children’s. The course was beautiful, and the Texas Children’s signage and branding on everything was wonderful, especially the TCH logo in white flowers on the 15th hole. The positive feeling about TCH, the increased exposure from the thousands of fans who attended, and the great TV coverage featuring the hospital and some of our patients, is really important for us. I most enjoyed interacting with the fans and other volunteers, and saying I worked at TCH. I was so proud to say that. I would absolutely do this again.”
  • Courtney Prewitt, Advanced Quality Specialist (Gallery Ambassador 4th hole) – “I went in not knowing what to expect and the experience was nothing short of AMAZING. I got a chance to meet TCH colleagues across the system that I may have never crossed paths with, and I’m already planning to do it again next year. Being the title sponsor for the TCHO brings global attention to the amazing work we do. This tournament brought an incredible opportunity for employees by allowing us up close and personal insight to a PGA golf tournament. Kudos to Texas Children’s Hospital!” #Texaschildrensproud
  • Emmanuel Atenco, Business Process Engineer (Transportation) – “Before this experience, I didn’t know a thing about golf except for Tiger Woods. After volunteering, I actually watched the rest of the tournament at my house. As part of the transportation team, one of our duties was to pick up PGA TOUR players from the airport. The highlight was picking up a player who hung with the volunteers for a bit before he left. He ended up second or third in the tournament, and when I went to the tournament as a spectator, he recognized me and said hello! I was very happy Texas Children’s offered the opportunity to volunteer. Seeing the Texas Children’s logo throughout the tournament was rewarding and impactful because of the help we provide to our patients and the community.”
  • Shon Bower, Manager, Multimedia Center (Shotlink Spotter 12th hole) – “As a golfer I like to give back to the sport I play and regularly volunteer at tournaments in Houston. I signed up as soon as registration opened! I love being on courses when they are in such perfect shape. Seeing Texas Children’s everywhere was definitely a highlight as well as watching all the families out there enjoying the great weather and of course, watching the pros. This is a new level of exposure on a national stage. To see our incredible patient stories in the media gives those outside of Texas a small glimpse into what is possible here. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Through our partnership with The Astros Golf Foundation, Texas Children’s is the title sponsor of the Texas Children’s Houston Open through 2028 hosting some of the PGA TOUR’s most outstanding players.

March 26, 2024

In honor of the upcoming Texas Children’s Houston Open (TCHO) PGA TOUR event, Antone’s is offering a signature sandwich called the Texas Clubhouse (or TCH). Antone’s is on site March 25-26 in the Fresh Bistro in the Medical Center making these delicious sammies fresh to order.

Decked out in TCHO golf attire, CEO Mark A. Wallace visited the Bistro to tell patrons about the sandwich and our partnership with Antone’s.

“Directly in line with the incredible partners they are, Antone’s created a sandwich to celebrate the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and it’s simply amazing. This isn’t the first time they’ve developed a sandwich to celebrate and promote Texas Children’s and they outdo themselves every time. Not only are they longstanding supporters of Texas Children’s, they are wonderful friends who truly believe in the work we do for children and women around the world.”

The sandwich features Antone’s Smoked Turkey Club with a Texan twist: thin slices of smoked turkey, zesty pepper jack, crispy Applewood bacon, fresh arugula, all topped with their spicy Chow Chow relish – a first for Antone’s – and chipotle mayo, on a pretzel bun.

As a reminder, Antone’s is donating a portion of its sandwich sales from all Texas Children’s eateries to the Astros Golf Foundation benefiting their charity partners, which includes Texas Children’s. We want to thank Antone’s CEO Craig Lieberman and his team for their continued support and partnership – and of course the amazing sandwiches!

The Antone’s po’ boy sandwich wrappers include a QR code sticker that links to the TCHO website to learn more about the tournament and purchase tickets. Texas Children’s team members and their spouses/significant others are eligible for 20% off the purchase of grounds tickets at the tournament through our title sponsorship and our incredible partnership with The Astros Golf Foundation. The discount promo code is TCHTCHO.

Mr. Wallace also stopped for photo ops at the TCHO displays with team members and Texas Children’s facility dog, Crosby! We invite everyone to visit the Fresh Bistro or The Auxiliary Bridge in the Medical Center, as well as areas in West and The Woodlands campuses to take photos at the TCHO displays to celebrate the upcoming golf tournament. Post your photos on social media using hashtags #TCHoustonOpen #TCHO.

Visit the Texas Children’s Houston Open SharePoint site for details.

January 29, 2024

It’s time for a hole-in-one! The Texas Children’s Houston Open is only weeks away, so let’s get ready to tee off. We’re honored to be the title sponsor of this celebrated PGA TOUR event, building on its legacy and providing a memorable experience for the city of Houston. Through our partnership with The Astros Golf Foundation, we’re thrilled to be a part of this monumental sporting event, hosting some of the PGA TOUR’s most outstanding players.

The event will occur on March 25-31, and our team members and their spouses/significant others are invited to volunteer free of charge. Don’t miss your chance to be involved, give back and be part of something special.

The volunteer registration deadline is Friday, February 23.

Texas Children’s team members and their spouses/significant others are also eligible for 20% off the purchase of grounds tickets at the tournament through our partnership with The Astros Golf Foundation.

Visit the Texas Children’s Houston Open SharePoint site for ticket and volunteer details, including the promotion code and registration link.

 

September 14, 2023

To kick off the countdown to the Texas Children’s Houston Open, our fearless leader took to the mound to throw some heat. Our team members proudly wore Astros gear in support. Read more

November 10, 2022

Thanks to all who entered the Texans ticket giveaway and showed us your team spirit. Our winners had a blast at the game! Watch the video recap. Read More

August 17, 2022

Disney and the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation were recently featured on ABC13 KTRK-TV as they teamed up to host a Spidey-themed delivery event at Texas Children’s to celebrate the launch of “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” season two. Our patients, their families, and our One Amazing team members were among the first in the United States to enjoy a pre-screening of the first episode of the hit series’ new season, which officially launches August 19 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Cast member Armen Taylor (voice of Hulk), made a special appearance during the celebration to meet with patients and their families.

“Our Texas Children’s physicians and staff were delighted to watch the joy and excitement on the faces of our hospitalized patients as they reveled in this unique Disney visit,” said Tabitha Rice, Executive Vice President, Administration. “Thanks to Texas Children’s established relationship with Disney and support from Starlight Children’s Foundation, our patients and their families experienced pure Disney joy – a most welcome reprieve from the many stresses that can accompany a child’s hospital stay.”

The event was part of Disney’s 2018 commitment of $100 million to help children’s hospitals reimagine the patient experience and deliver joy when it’s needed most. This partnership is transforming our hospital spaces with interactive murals and digital displays; creating personalized moments by delivering Disney-themed Starlight hospital wear, care packages and products; and providing complimentary access to Disney+ and special screenings of newly-released movies, along with our colorful employee badges featuring beloved Disney characters. The ultimate goal of these activities is to provide joy and comfort to patients and their families during appointments.

Read Texas Children’s press release about the event to learn more about our Disney partnership and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. You can also find Disney Partnership training in HealthStream to learn how you can be a Disney ambassador at Texas Children’s.

August 10, 2022

Since the launch of the Disney partnership in 2019, one of the most cherished and beloved elements of the program is having every member of our One Amazing Team adorn a beloved Disney character behind their ID badge.

The character badges offer the chance to create moments of comfort and inspiration for both patients and colleagues. You can use the badges to engage with patients on a friendly and fun level, putting them at ease or just putting a smile on their faces. They also encourage interaction and camaraderie amongst our team members. Take a moment to ask a colleague who their Disney character is and why they chose it. You can learn more about Disney and make a new connection with a colleague.

Every department director should have received a package with a variety of new character badges, bilingual instruction cards and a list of their direct reports. If you have not had the opportunity to choose your new badge, please connect with your leader to inquire about this enhancement to the program.

If you have any questions or have not received your package, please contact the Disney team at disney@texaschildrens.org.