A young, local philanthropist’s dream came true this month as Kayla Abramowitz, chief kid officer for Kayla Cares 4 Kids, helped cut the ribbon on the reimagined playroom in the pediatric unit at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.
Plans for the renovation began in December when Abramowitz herself was a patient in the unit and discovered that the playroom could use some sprucing up for the children staying in the hospital.
Thanks to a grant from the Great Charity Challenge, a new movie projector and screen, comfy chairs, new storage and toy chests are just some of the additions to the space, which also features a special paint called “Kayla Blue” that was created just for this project. An art teacher from the Weiss School and his students even created one-of-a-kind sea creatures to adorn the walls.
“Knowing how many people have come together to bring this project to light makes this beautiful new space even brighter,” said Jason Kimbrell, CEO of Palms West Hospital. “The work of this foundation, its board and volunteers will bring so much joy and will be the best part of our young patients’ worst days.”
Special thanks to Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Selena Samios, Councilman Jeff Hmara, Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary Lou Bedford and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County CEO Maria Antuña for attending the ribbon cutting.
This was the first playroom makeover for Kayla Cares 4 Kids, which has donated nearly 40,000 items to more than 450 children’s hospitals across the United States and Puerto Rico since its inception in 2013.
Abramowitz just completed her sophomore year at the University of Miami, where she is studying communications with a concentration in public advocacy.
For more on Kayla Cares 4 Kids, visit www.kaylacares4kids.org.
