I Think We Have a New GBMC Tradition

Sunday ended with a lot of candy, two costume changes, and a parking garage full of GBMC families.

In other words, it was a pretty great day.

My wife, our youngest daughter, and I arrived at the Berman Garage shortly before our first Employee Family Trunk-or-Treat was set to begin. Carri Mast had already helped get things staged so we could jump right in and finish decorating our space. Carri has a remarkable way of making things easier, often before I even realize I need the help. Sunday was no exception. Thank you, Carri!

The kids and I had also put some thought into my costume: a top hat with an orange ribbon, a long black jacket, a bright orange pumpkin shirt, and, of course, my trusty Jordan sneakers.

My daughter was even more committed to the occasion. She arrived with two costumes: Candy Land and a duck. I think it may have been her way of making sure she could take two trips through the event.

And then the families started arriving.

Twenty-three individuals and teams hosted trunks, and hundreds of people joined us over the course of the afternoon. There were Harry Potter, Peter Pan, pirates, mad scientists, pumpkin patches, and some very impressive skeletons of all sizes. One particularly giant skeleton was our own Administrative Director of Laboratory Services, Jesse Nasby. His acting skills were a crowd favorite.

This was exactly why I had hoped we could bring a Trunk-or-Treat to GBMC.

A few years ago, my daughters suggested that we start a Trunk-or-Treat at my previous hospital. I am a smart dad, so I listened to my daughters. We started the event, and I completely fell in love with it.

It gives people a chance to see one another differently. You meet someone’s children. You meet the spouse or partner they talk about at work. You see colleagues in costumes you may never be able to unsee. And for a couple of hours, everyone gets to simply have fun together.

Sunday had that same wonderful energy.

It was especially meaningful to have my wife and daughter there. My family hears a lot about GBMC and the people who make this place special. Events like this give them a chance to experience that for themselves, while giving me the opportunity to meet the families who are so important to all of you.

Of course, we also promised a little friendly competition.

Our attendees voted for their favorite decorated trunk, and the winner of our inaugural Trunk-or-Treat competition — and the pizza party — was the SAFE team with their Practical Magic theme. Congratulations! A special honorable mention goes to Human Resources for their Harry Potter trunk, which finished as this year's runner-up.

And thank you to every individual, family, department, and team that hosted a trunk. You put a lot of thought, creativity, and energy into making the afternoon special.

I also owe a huge thank-you to Kim Davenport, Senior Director of Community Engagement, and Alissa Smith, Community Relations and Events Manager, for their leadership in turning the idea of our first Trunk-or-Treat into such a terrific afternoon.

Most of all, thank you to the GBMC families who came out, even in the rain. Your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to join in the fun made the afternoon what it was.

We do serious and important work together every day, and that work asks a lot of our people. That is one reason moments like Sunday matter. Being a strong community also means making room for joy, laughter, and connection. And yes, occasionally it means grown adults dressing as giant skeletons and dancing in a parking garage.

Based on Sunday, I think we may have a new GBMC tradition on our hands.

I'm already looking forward to next year.