Kids Day America/International draws over 1,000 at inaugural event

Maricopa children were honored for the day with a city proclamation dedicating Sept. 20 as “Kids Day America/International” in the city of Maricopa and an event geared toward their health and safety. Dr. John Donohue and May McCarthey organized the event held at Maricopa Wells Middle School on Saturday.

Doctors from New Jersey originally decided to create a day for children. “They figured that if there was a Mother’s Day, a Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day, there should be one for children.” said Dr. Donohue. He felt that he and his wife could help bring this type of children’s day to Maricopa.

Several local businesses and organizations participated in the event, focusing on information geared toward kids and helpful for parents. Sponsors of the event included Global Water, Farmers Insurance Wendy Duncan and ACE hardware.

Mayor Anthony Smith, who attended the event with his granddaughter, said, “I grew up in a safe environment. I have this vision for Maricopa. I want to thank the (organizations) that came to share this very important information.”

MUSD health services provided information on vision, dental care, immunizations and healthy eating. Diane Estrada, school nurse, told parents that Prevent Blindness America was partnering with schools to provide glasses and lenses for students with no health insurance.

Walter Che from Caring World displayed his organization’s video on kids and stranger danger.

Radius Cleaning provided tips for a green household while the Environmental Concerns Organization, Inc. told kids how to recycle the items in their homes and shared items that were made from recycled goods.

The M.A.S.H. coalition provided a drug identification display and guides for keeping families drug free.

Global Water provided information on water recycling.

The PCSO offered bike and teen safety tips and a K-9 demonstration, while the Maricopa PD provided finger printing cards with the help of local photographer Amy Jamieson.

Maricopa Police, Southwest Ambulance and the Maricopa Fire Department had vehicles on hand for children to sit in and learn more about.

Dentist Karen Kramarczyk asked children to show her their teeth while reminding them about brushing, flossing and not too many sweets.

Dr. Donohue provided pediatric screenings. Judy McCarthy and Era McCarthy provided face painting.

Others vendors included SADD, AAA, poison control and DARE. Jeff Weller from Maricopa Trikke displayed a special bike for children to get exercise in a fun and unique way.

Demonstrations were performed by Desert Sun Performing Arts, Desert Star Gymnastics, Maricopa Dance Academy, ATA Karate and Fluid Motion from Church of the Nazarene.

Dr. Donohue gave special thanks to Journey United Methodist Church, Church of the Nazarene, George Aquon and Renate Chamberlin for their assistance with the event.

Attendees received a card to obtain four stamps from various vendors in order to get food and raffle tickets. Several prizes, donated by Wal-Mart, Teakwood’s, Brooklyn Boys, Arena Grill, Native New Yorker, Baskin Robbins and Maricopa Trikke to name a few, went to those whose names were drawn.

Thinking maybe 50 to 200 people would attend the event, Dr. Donohue and McCarthey were ecstatic about the turnout of approximately 1,000. Dr. Donohue said he was happy to see children so excited about the event, including children who “grabbed me by the hand to show me that Smokey the Bear had given them a high five.”

Donohue and McCarthey have earmarked a fund to start a DARE program in the community. “If it helps one person stay away from drugs, it can affect (countless) people in their life,” said Dr. Donohue.

Dr. Donohue is looking forward to expanding next year’s event set for September 19, 2009. Volunteers who would like to help can contact him at [email protected].

Photos by Carrie Vargas