From the moment one enters Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, the aroma of popcorn sets it far away from what is traditionally known for antiseptic smells. Adding to the “user-friendly” environment on Tuesday, March 1, was the kick-off festivities for Cotton Patch Cafe‘s March to a Million. Here’s a report from the field:
On Tuesday, March 1, Cotton Patch Cafe held a “March to a Million” event in partnership with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. This event kicked off Cotton Patch Cafe’s fundraising initiative for the month of March (also known as the “March to a Million” challenge) in which Cotton Patch is working to raise a cumulative one million dollars to complete their 10 years of partnership.
Patients were invited to come to the hospital’s atrium and spin a prize wheel to win Cotton Patch branded items (such as sunglasses, T-shirts, gift cards and coupons). One enthusiastic patient of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dylan Smith, won a pair of red sunglasses and was all smiles when spinning the prize wheel. Cotton Patch also featured some of their classic menu items for tasting and a photo booth with props was on-site. Bianca Bouchelle, a patient of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, enjoyed Cotton Patch’s chicken tenders, chips and queso as well as their notorious Dr Pepper Cake.
Patients and their families had a wonderful afternoon of fun and festivities.
Some patients even participated in a dessert-making contest in which patients created their own “dirt” dessert that contained crushed Oreos, chocolate pudding and gummy worms. Chef Eric Justice helped Katie Daniels, Jordan Anderson-Urune, C.C. Torres and Will Biedenbach create their sweet treats. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children President Bob Walker even made an appearance and spent time talking with patients and Cotton Patch employees.
Cotton Patch has worked to raise money for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children through matching customer donations with gift cards! For every $25 a customer donates, Cotton Patch will match with a $25 gift card. This year, Cotton Patch aims to raise $250,000 to reach one million cumulative dollars donated. As of March 21, they have raised over $116,000. All Cotton Patch locations are participating, and donations can also be made online at scottishritehospital.org/cottonpatch.