POWERGRAMS

POWER OF GOOD Children's Extravaganza Employees boost spirits with festivities at hospital S Child chooses from a selection of miniature toy cars. ON THE COVER: Employees paint children's faces as part of the weeklong carnival. Photos courtesy of Children's of Alabama PAGE 2 houts and laughter fill the lobby of Children's of Alabama as youngsters line up for their turn at miniature golf, bowling and a life-size Angry Birds obstacle course. Clowns paint faces and mascots pose for photos with patients and their families. It's not an ordinary afternoon at the hospital, but then Playtime Extravaganza is no ordinary event. This June, Alabama Power Service Organization Magic City volunteers joined employees from more than 20 departments to host Playtime Extravaganza, a weeklong carnival that provided events and activities to more than 200 patients and their families. Each day brought a different event: matchbox car races, a teddy bear fair, glamour photos and magic shows. Visiting mascots included Big Al, Aubie and Chick-fil-A cows that mingled with patients and posed for pictures. The week wrapped up with a 10-booth fun fair, where volunteers hosted carnival games complete with prizes for the children and their families. "This is an event that we look forward to each year," said Rachel Olis, media relations coordinator of the Birmingham hospital. Playtime Extravaganza is an event the volunteers look forward to each year as well. "We had more than 120 volunteers this year," said Kandy Bishop, Computer Systems analyst and the event coordinator. Playtime Extravaganza began in 2008 Employees set up race track for kids. as a challenge between two departments in IT Generation. One department had a small event at Children's of Alabama with a matchbox car race and arts and crafts activities. Realizing the potential for a bigger event, both departments teamed up in 2009 and Playtime Extravaganza has steadily grown ever since. In 2011, the APSO Magic City Chapter adopted Playtime Volunteers entertain patients and family members. Extravaganza as a project. "We realized that involving APSO would really help us take the event to the next level," said Computer Systems Analyst Michael Perry, who has been involved with the project for three years. Showing the true spirit of APSO, the event brings employees together from across the company to give back to the community. Like many volunteers, Information Systems Analyst Gordon Cashmore can relate to the families at the hospital from his own experience. Cashmore's son, Jeffrey was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4, and had to be admitted to the hospital two years later. "We were there for about two weeks, and I know what it feels like to need to get out of that hospital room," Cashmore said. "You see clowns coming down the hall or a different program and it makes all the difference. We have always wanted to give something back after we had such a great experience there." After joining the company three years ago, Cashmore immediately signed up to help with Playtime Extravaganza. "It was just a perfect fit," said Cashmore, whose son, now 13, is getting better. Perry's family, too, has had a child admitted to the hospital and understands the event from a parent's perspective. "We do this for the parents and family members just as much as we do this for the children," he said. "Many moments at the event remind volunteers why they participate each year. "Last year we saw a grandmother holding a picture of her grandchild. I was talking with her and as she was tearing up, she explained it was the first time she had seen her granddaughter smile in a year. That's why we do this, to touch people's lives," Perry said. Months of planning go into pulling off Playtime Extravaganza. Volunteers offer to chair specific events throughout the week, often involving their entire departments. For the teddy bear fair, employees can purchase a stuffed bear for $25 and then take it home to decorate. The bears are donated on the day of the fair to children who are unable to take part in the festivities. "It's easy to do this if you have a lot of good people, and we have a lot of good people," said Cashmore. "It's great to look out and see so many volunteers," said Bishop. It won't be long before the planning will start for next year's event. To learn more about joining APSO or helping with the event, visit http:// corporateinfo.southernco.com/ associations/apso/. By Allison Westlake

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