I could not agree more with the Staff Perspective from the 1/29 issue (“Senate should consider alternate charities for Dance Marathon proceeds”). My older kids participated in CDM, and one was on the planning committee last year, so it was an occasional topic of conversation at our house, especially last year. 

I maintain that Riley, while an important hospital, has charitable groups all over the state, from school groups to women’s clubs to community programs, that all donate to it. 

In our community most sick kids under 18 would likely end up in Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, a hospital that gets very little charitable recognition, but which should be on the top of the list for fundraising in our area. It is a phenomenal hospital with a very progressive pediatric intensive care unit, and a world-class oncology department, not to mention a top-rated emergency room. 

Any Carmel child who would need to go there would receive the best care possible….and yet it rates low on our collective list of places to support. While this is certainly not the only place that deserves a look for CDM funds, it really ought to be considered for attention from the CDM, a group that can and should start a whole new precedent for fundraising and giving.

Mimi Brookie, CHS Parent