CHARITY – By Alison Quinn & Jim Page
This year, LTEN is leveling up its charitable efforts
One of the mainstays of the LTEN Annual Conference is the charity networking event, giving LTEN members the chance to help others in times of need. In the past LTEN members have generously given their time, resources and energy to both national and local charities, through activities including:
- Writing letters and building care packages for active-duty military personnel.
Packing pajamas and books for homeless and foster children with little of their own.- Assembling backpacks with school supplies to help students in need.
- Building baskets of basic health and hygiene supplies for families in low income shelters.
- Building and dressing teddy bears for underprivileged children.
- Decorating and stuffing birthday part +Ads +Images .ies in a bag for foster children.
Every year, our members do not disappoint. They show up in droves to volunteer their time and talents to help others. Our members selflessly band together as a team and, quite simply, get it done!
Not only does this help support those in need, it also helps further our mission to provide opportunities for networking and team building. In fact, we know many in the organization who made meaningful connections through LTEN because they attended a charity event.
Helping Families Access Medical Care and Resources
This year, we are planning something even bigger and bolder as a way of giving back. The LTEN Charity Committee and the LTEN Board of Directors elected to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), the charitable arm of McDonald’s Corporation that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Since 1974, Ronald McDonald House programs have enabled and supported family-centered care for critically ill children. Located near top children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses allow parents who are far from home to stay close to their hospitalized child and benefit from the comforts of home without incurring hotel and food costs. Also, Ronald McDonald family rooms offer rest for all families right in the hospital, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile brings fundamental medical and dental care to underserved communities.
At #LTEN2024, you’ll be able to take part in a team-building activity with colleagues and new friends, making care packages with items needed for the children and their families. (More details to come – we can’t spoil all the surprises!) And while that may sound like a “typical LTEN charity event” – we’re prepared to go further.
‘Level Up’ Isn’t Just Our Conference Theme
You’ll learn more details along the way, but we’re leveling up the LTEN charity program beyond this year’s conference. Now, all LTEN members can help, even if you’re unable to attend the conference.
Throughout the year (beginning with the #LTEN2024 conference), we’ll pull through charitable activities and opportunities. We’ll also work with RMHC to bring you opportunities to help support the charity in your own community.
So please join the LTEN Charity Committee and the LTEN Board of Directors as we kick off the 2024 charity this June, and stay tuned to FOCUS for more updates.
Alison Quinn is a member of the LTEN Advisory Council, co-chair of the LTEN 2024 Charity Committee, and senior director, US Medical Affairs Learning & Development for Kite Pharma. You can reach out to Alison at aquinn@kitepharma.com.
Jim Page is a member of the LTEN Board of Directors, co-chair of the LTEN 2024 Charity Committee, and executive director, Customer Engagement Skills for Novartis. You can reach out to Jim at jim-1.page@novartis.com.
