Fun-loving Dallas philanthropists gathered at the home of Debbie and Frank Branson to kick off an unusual new charitable event called I Play for Parkland: Game of Life, which will give participants a behind-the-scenes look at the new Parkland hospital.
More than 40 host committee members — including Kevin Calandro, Gillian Breidenbach, Troy Schiermeyer, Joan and Alan Walne, and Dr. Fred Cerise — mingled over cocktails and fancy nosh by Wendy Krispin until event co-chairs Debra and Leon Carter, Holly and Carlos Peña, and Donna and Fred Halstead spilled some details about the fundraiser.
I Play for Parkland is a live board game of sorts, in which teams of 10 “patients” and “caregivers” search for answers to questions about the hospital’s mission and services. Each participant is responsible for answering five questions related to his or her assigned role.
For example, someone could be a firefighter who is taken to the burn center; another could be a trauma surgeon who saved a constructions worker’s life after a serious accident. Each team travels to five units — emergency, surgery, neonatal intensive care, imaging and burn — where a medical expert gives a two-minute speech.
The team that answers the most questions correctly wins a prize described thusly: “an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
This inaugural event, which also includes cocktails and dinner, is set for April 24 at the new Parkland hospital. Teams of 10 are $1,500 each, and more information on teams or sponsorships can be found online.
Kevin Calandro, Gillian Breidenbach, Dr. Fred Cerise, Troy Schiermeyer
