GRR - Grand Rapids, MI

Welcome to the Grand Rapids, MI Pilots For Kids homepage. Learn how to get involved and participate in Pilots For Kids activities in the Grand Rapids, MI area.

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News

New Year Update

Last updated 4 weeks ago

Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who is involved in our local chapter. This year’s events were a hit and it was all because of your contribution. While at the Gilda event this past year, a counselor Phil was telling me about some of the counseling that he does with the kids. There are times that the kids shut down or get overwhelmed with the grieving process. He mentioned that they sometimes incorporate games or other activities to help them open up. There are other times that they allow the kids to just be kids instead of talking about what they are going through. After that conversation I started thinking that there is more we can do for these kids, other than the annual event. So, two weeks ago I stopped by Gilda’s Club to drop off some games and other activities that were left over from the events. While there Phil and Lindsey (the events coordinator) both told me how much everyone involved with Gilda’s Club enjoyed our event. They were blown away that the kids were still talking about the event in February and how much fun they had “while the pilots were here”. They are all looking forward to the next annual event. The kids were amazed that Santa knew just what to get them. The kids all signed a thank you card as well. I just wanted to forward the thank you that I received and again say thank you to everyone who contributed this year. No matter how you contributed it went to a good cause and I look forward to doing more this year!!
Brian Theisen
GRR P4Ks Coordinator
brianstheisen@gmail.com
(734)277-2995
http://grr.pilotsforkids.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Pilots4kidsGRR

GRR P4Ks 2022 End of Year Update

Last updated 3 months ago

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped out this year! Whether it was with time, donating directly to our chapter or purchasing presents via our amazon wish list, it all helps and the expressions on the kids’ faces at our events this year were amazing. The Gilda’s Club staff, parents, and kids were very appreciative. Everyone was happy to see us and loved the event. Again, thank you everyone! I hope that we can make next year even better. During the events this year, I talked to some of our members and the staff about possibly doing other events through the year. If that is something you are interested in, please let me know.

2022 Event Final Info and numbers

Last updated 4 months ago

Hello Everyone,

We are now two weeks away from our events and are looking to get some numbers of who will be available to attend the events. The events dates and details are listed below:



Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids

1806 Bridge ST. NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Date: Wednesday December 14th 4:30-7:30



This year’s event will be similar to previous years past. It will consist of serving dinner (pizza), games, crafts, and gifts. Set up will be from around 4:30-5pm, dinner served at 5:30pm and games/crafts/gifts 6:00pm. Cleanup after and post event "debrief" to follow after if you would like. Please dress in uniform for the event and if you plan on attending the debrief remember to bring a change of clothes. This is normally Gilda’s grief support evening for children who are impacted by the death of someone in their life. Significant others and children are welcome as long as they are over the age of 12.





Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

100 Michigan ST. NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Date: Friday December 16th 1:30-4pm



This year’s event will be slightly different from the events of the past. Due some continued restrictions at the hospital we will not be able to have a large get together. The alternative this year will be to have a small event consisting of 3-4 people. I currently have 3 people who have RSVPed for the event which leaves one more spot available. The hospital sponsors a daily TV show for hospital patients called Blue Glass Live. The program consists of Bingo and some other type of game. We would play host and interact with the kids virtually while they stream the show live from their TV studio. This game time would last an hour and then we will walk to the winners rooms and hand out prizes. There will also be an opportunity to visit other kid’s rooms to distribute other gifts. We would meet in the lobby of Helen DeVos Children's Hosiptal around 1-1:30. The Blue Grass Live would be from 2-3:00pm. Then we would visit Childrens rooms to hand out gifts following. With possible "debrief" after. Please dress in uniform for the event and if you plan on attending the debrief remember to bring a change of clothes.



I am very excited to be able to return to our yearly events. I hope you are too and look forward to seeing everyone. Please email me or shoot me a text if you think you will be attending this year. If you cannot attend, please consider making a small monetary donation or purchase a gift to help with funding the events.



Gifts

I have set up an Amazon wishlist where you can order gifts for the children at our events. The gifts would be sent to my house for wrapping and sorting.



Amazon Wishlist

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1YH8F474O1J9Q...



Funding

As you are aware Pilots for Kids is a self-funded charity with chapters all over the country. In order for the GRR chapter to continue to be successful we need your assistance. We currently have 87 members and the annual dues do not cover the planned events for the year. Please consider tax deductible monetary donations to the GRR chapter of Pilots for Kids website. Link Below, please make sure it shows funds directed to the GRR Chapter. If you would rather purchase gifts that will be distributed directly to the kids at the events, we have set up an amazon wishlist (link above) that will be updated regularly. The goal this year is to make sure that we are able to continue our events as we have in the past. If you would prefer to just send the donation to me and I can purchase the gifts and supplies for the events I have Venmo. Please contact me for that information. Every bit helps and I greatly appreciate any contributions you make.



http://grr.pilotsforkids.org/



Brian Theisen

GRR P4Ks Coordinator

brianstheisen@gmail.com

http://grr.pilotsforkids.org/

https://www.facebook.com/Pilots4kidsGRR

(734)277-2995

Change of date for Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (Friday, December 16th)

Last updated 4 months ago

Hello Everyone,
Just got off the phone with Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and the date change for our event is now confirmed for Friday, December 16th. Sorry for the late change but just got notified myself. I have updated the Amazon wish list for gifts for the two events. Please consider contributing gifts. Link below. We are a month out and I look forward to see everyone.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1YH8F474O1J9Q?ref_=wl_share

2022 P4K's GRR Date Announcements

Last updated 5 months ago

Hello everyone. I have finalized the date for our local events. This year will consist of two events, one at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and one at Gilda’s Club.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
100 Michigan ST. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Date: Friday December 9th 1:30-4pm

This year’s event will be slightly different for the events of the past. Due some continued restrictions at the hospital we will not be able to have a large get together. The alternative this year will be to have a small event consisting of 3-4 people. The hospital sponsors a daily TV show for hospital patients called Blue Glass Live. The program consists of Bingo and some other type of game. We would play host and interact with the kids virtually while they stream the show live from their TV studio. This game time would last an hour and we would they go hand out prizes to the winners. There will also be an opportunity to visit other kid’s rooms to distribute other gifts.
The hospital has provided suggested gift options, for example, stuffed animals or games. I have been in contact with the Detroit Crew Store and am trying to get kid pilot hats and some stuffed airplanes. In addition to that I would like to be able to provide a small gift card to the parents for either gas or something to the food court. I think that would be a nice gesture to help them get out of the room or help with the cost to run home.

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids
1806 Bridge ST. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Date: Wednesday December 14th 4:30-7:30

This year’s event will be similar to previous years past. It will consist of serving dinner (pizza), games, crafts, and gifts. Wednesday night is their preference as it is their counseling night for the youth. .
Gifts for Gilda’s Club are available on the pilots for kids Amazon Wishlist.

Gifts
I have set up an Amazon wishlist where you can order gifts for the children at our events. The gifts would be sent to my house for wrapping and sorting. In the past the gifts have been small general in nature. I would like to be able to give a child a larger gift that is specific to their age group.
I have also talked to other coordinators from other P4K’s chapters and received some ideas that I would like to incorporate. Some of those would be geared toward the parents of the children receiving treatment or counseling. Gift cards for gas or to restaurants in the area or hospital help parents and patients. I have heard multiple times from parents, coordinators, and friends that spending an extended time in the hospital is hard. The gift cards might not feel like much but just getting out of the room for lunch or a cup of coffee or not worrying about if they have enough gas to make a trip home could be a huge help. Games are also a hit with patients in the hospital for an extended time and they can engage both the child and parent.

Funding
As you are aware Pilots for Kids is a self-funded charity with chapters all over the country. In order for the GRR chapter to continue to be successful we need your assistance. We currently have 86 members and the annual dues do not cover the planned events for the year. Please consider tax deductible monetary donations to the GRR chapter of Pilots for Kids website. If you would rather purchase gifts that will be distributed directly to the kids at the events, we have set up an amazon wishlist (link below) that will be updated regularly. The goal this year is to make sure that we are able to continue our events as we have in the past. If you would prefer to just send the donation to me and I can purchase the gifts and supplies for the events I have Venmo. Please contact me for that information. Every bit helps and I greatly appreciate any contributions you make.

Amazon Wishlist
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1YH8F474O1J9Q...

Venmo: please contact me

I am very excited to get back involved with the kids and the local community. I hope you are too and look forward seeing you all again! I have not heard much feedback from members. Please email me or shoot me a text if you think you will be attending this year. If you cannot attend, please consider making a small monetary donation to help with funding the events.
I would appreciate some sort of response as I am not sure anyone is receiving these updates.

Brian Theisen
GRR P4Ks Coordinator
brianstheisen@gmail.com
http://grr.pilotsforkids.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Pilots4kidsGRR

2022 Fall Update

Last updated 7 months ago

Hello everyone.
Sorry for the radio silence, it has been busy and now that life is returning to a more normal status, I want provide an update. I also have some ideas on how to get more involved and would like feedback.
I have been in contact with Lindsey at Gilda Club and they are back to normal day to day operations. They are very eager to start up the P4K’s event. With that in mind we are planning on doing our normal December Christmas event.
I have also been in contact with DeVos Children’s Hospital. At this time, they are allowing activities. They did say as we get closer to December, we will need to determine what they can allow based on the status of the hospital. This year it is looking like we will try and continue with our normal two events in December and possible expand the number of events the following year. I hope to have those dates by the end of October.
I have looked into possibly doing something with some local homes that take children in after they are taken out of their homes awaiting adoption or placement into foster care. I feel this could be very important especially to them in their rough time. I am not sure if this would be just gifts, an event like the others or just time donated making lunches.
Other options could be to just do more events throughout the year at our normal locations. We could go in quarterly and visit with the kids at various hospitals. I am also going to contact Mary Free Bed. They have many children that would appreciate company and are opening a location just for children.
Gifts
I have set up an Amazon wishlist where you could order gifts for the children at our events. The gifts would be sent right to my house for wrapping and sorting. That way the children would receive a larger gift that could be specialized.
Another would be to do an Usborne book drive. In the past my wife and I have done some charity work with Helen DeVos and they have expressed that they really like books and stuffed animals for their littler patients. The hospital is not allowed to reuse books so this would allow us to supply a book to each kid and any leftover would be donated to the hospital. The way that this would work is that we would host an online book sale you could purchase a book from the link for anyone as a gift or just for pilots for kids. Based on the amount of books sold, pilots for kids would receive a credit towards purchasing books from Usborne to be donated to the hospital.
I have also talked to other coordinators from other P4K’s chapters and received some ideas that I would like to incorporate. Some of those would be geared toward the parents of the children receiving treatment or counseling. We can purchase gas or food cards for parents of the patients. I have heard multiple times from parents, coordinators and friends that spending an extended time in the hospital is hard. The gift cards might not feel like much but just getting out of the room for lunch or a cup of coffee or not worrying about if they have enough gas to make a trip home could be a huge help.
Funding
As you are aware Pilots for Kids is a self-funded charity with chapters all over the country. In order for the GRR chapter to continue to be successful we need your assistance. We currently have 86 members and the annual dues do not cover the planned events for the year. Please consider tax deductible monetary donations to the GRR chapter of Pilots for Kids at the link below. If you would rather purchase gifts that will be distributed directly to the kids at the events, we have set up an amazon wishlist (link below) that will be updated regularly. The goal this year is to make sure that we are able to continue our events as we have in the past.
Amazon Wishlist
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1YH8F474O1J9Q?ref_=wl_share
Stay Connected
I will continue to send out email updates and post on the GRR P4Kids Facebook page, however, I have also set up the GRR chapter page on the Pilots for Kids website. This page has a lot more information and will be updated regularly. You can subscribe to the email list, calendar updates, or just donate directly to our chapter. Below are the links if you are interested.
http://grr.pilotsforkids.org/
Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=942347959523431&ref=content_filter


Please contact me any ideas that you have! All suggestions and volunteers are welcome!

Brian Theisen
GRR P4Ks Coordinator

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Upcoming Events

No upcoming events available. Contact the coordinator to see if there is an event they haven't posted yet!

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Past Events

Events from the past year are displayed here. Please check below this section to see if pictures from these events are posted!

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