Virtual… Here to Stay?
Virtual family fun. Two years ago it didn’t exist and now registration hits over 100 people in less than an hour with every virtual family event we offer!
In 2020, Pause needed to recalibrate to an entire virtual platform within a few weeks time. A virtual platform was absolutely necessary to keep supporting families over the past couple of years. It was our only option then, but <insert ALL the fist bumps!> over the past 6-9 months we’ve been able to get back to our roots of being in-person. So, what does that mean for virtual opportunities? Do we still need them? The answer: a resounding YES!
Having a variety of programming options has allowed families to further tailor their Pause experience. It has allowed kiddos with severely fragile immune systems to continue their participation in events, expand our reach to families all over Ohio and partner with companies across the United States!
We’ve hosted magicians out of Las Vegas, NV, puppeteers from Cincinnati, OH and most recently a virtual game show with Mainstage, an educational theater company for children based in New York City! On February 19th, 203 kiddos and caregivers joined us for a night of FUN! Before the show, families picked up free pizza (65 to be exact!) from rockstar community partner, Raymond’s Pizza and had the option to customize a take home pack with snacks, drinks and new board games to keep the family fun going well beyond the event. Partnering with local businesses to do the small things, turns into really big and impactful things for families. Building memories and traditions together builds family legacy. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that?
During the show, our friends at Mainstages, Alex and Reba, played games that got the whole family up and moving. There were scavenger hunts, dance parties, charades, and some of our kiddos even transformed into different animals like snakes and sharks! The cutest “scary” we have ever seen!
Families told us they felt energized, happy, and included and were able to be silly together, share smiles and laughter, and be more connected to friends.
One Pause mom said, “Tonight’s game night was so much fun for our family! We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious pizza and already mailed our thank you to Mr. Ray. The virtual games were engaging and interactive! Plus, we had a blast playing the parents vs kids after the virtual show. Thank you for a fantastic Saturday night. 💙”
So friends, it seems like virtual programming is here to stay… and we’re loving it!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
Want to be involved in providing virtual family fun or know a company that would be a perfect fit? Reach out to us at questions@pauseforparents.org!
