When it comes to iconic New York City benefits that use a sophisticated and festive event to raise funds for a worthy cause but also promise a ton of fun for little ones and their parents, the annual Bunny Hop—hosted by the Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering—is in a category unto itself.
“The Associates are a group of women who give generously of their time to raise money and volunteer at MSK,” explains Amory McAndrew, a downtown mom-of-three (ages 4.5, 2.5, and 1) and one of this year’s Bunny Hop co-chairs. “The Associates host three major fundraising events each year: The Winter Lunch; the Bunny Hop; and the Fall Party. Funds raised at these events are used to support the Department of Pediatrics. The most recent Pediatric initiative that the Associates have funded is the Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Initiative. The special initiative funds the Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Team (PACT), which was created to ensure not only that MSK’s Pediatric Patients are receiving the best cancer treatments anywhere, but that they are also receiving the most advanced therapies that reduce suffering associated with childhood cancers and their treatments.”
McAndrew herself, who has a background in law, became involved with the Associates Committee after a close friend lost her father to cancer and invited McAndrew to join. “It can be hard to know how to best be there for our friends who are affected by cancer, and being a member of the Associates Committee is a way for me to support them and do my small part,” she explains.
This year, the 25th Annual Bunny Hop will be held on Tuesday, March 1, and will be sponsored by children’s clothing brand Bonpoint. As always, the mission is to raise funds for the Department of Pediatrics at MSK, and the event will offer a delightful variety of activities and entertainment for children. One standout feature of the fete is the presence of Big Apple Circus.
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“For several years, Big Apple Circus has provided three fabulous acts to come and entertain the children at the Bunny Hop,” McAndrew says. “This year we are thrilled to have the International Juggling Sensation Alexander Koblikov, Chiara Anastasini the Hula Hoop Master, and the African Acrobatic Troupe Zuma Zuma.”
The Society’s time-honored partnership with Big Apple Circus has another poignant tie-in to the cause as “Doctors of Humorology” from the Clown Care community outreach program also provide entertainment. Since 1986, the Clown Care program has been an integral part of MSK’s Pediatric Department wherein specially trained Clowns perform regular “Clown Rounds” to provide much-needed distraction and laughs for both inpatient and outpatient Pediatrics units.
“I have been attending the Bunny Hop for a few years now and it’s always a great time…there is a lot to do to keep [my kids] entertained and engaged and there are also opportunities for teaching moments,” McAndrew says. “Clown Care performs at the event, and I tell my older children that these clowns also go to the hospital to cheer up the sick children that cannot attend the party… I explain that the reason we are having this party is to raise money to help doctors learn how to make the sick children better. Children are encouraged to bring their coins to the party and to donate them, and they feel very proud of themselves for contributing towards that goal.”
In that vein, McAndrew emphasizes that while the Bunny Hop may be their grandest event for kids, The Society as a whole presents many occasions to impress on little ones the importance of giving back. “The Associates Committee creates lots of opportunities for the kids to experience charity hands on,” she notes. “There are costume and candy drives and depending on the time of year we might make snowflakes or Valentines to decorate patient’s rooms. My kids enjoy making something that will decorate a child’s room at the hospital. It’s empowering for them to know that they can make a difference and help a child who is just like them, but who’s sick.”
The 25th Annual Bunny Hop will take place on March 1, at 583 Park Avenue, from 4:30-6:30pm. Tickets are $200 for adults and $80 for children. To learn more, visit thesocietyofmskcc.org.
