On Sunday, October 22, Associated Pediatricians and Kidsworks teamed up to host a free trunk-or-treat event in Valparaiso.
The event ran from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Thousands of children showed up to trunk-or-treat in their Halloween costumes. Dana Gibson, Medical Practice Manager at Associated Pediatricians, says this event is geared for a family-friendly experience.
“It’s a lot of fun for all of us,” Gibson said. “We have 35 different themed cars this year. Not only do the kids dress up, but their parents and grandparents as well. It’s an amazing time.”
This was the second year of the trunk-or-treat festivities. Gibson acknowledges how the partnership between Associated Pediatricians and Kidsworks has contributed to the success of this event.
“I wanted to offer even more cars for the kids this year and could only make that happen with additional involvement,” Gibson said. “We have a great professional collaboration with the Kidsworks team already, so asking them to participate was an easy decision. They’re an amazing team of individuals and we’re thankful to have them with us.”
Along with these two businesses that structured most of the event, it couldn’t have been possible without the help of some more organizations.
The MAAC Foundation was in attendance with a car decorated to satisfy the Halloween theme. Their team was handing out bicycle helmets that they received from the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Performances were put on hourly by the Witches of Porter County. More than a dozen members came dressed in witch outfits to showcase an array of dance moves for entertainment.
The children were treated with a wide variety of items at this year’s trunk-or-treat. Gibson, along with the help of Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, MD, collaborated on what would be the best way to do so.
“We definitely had to have candy,” Gibson said. “We also have a lot of other fun giveaway items. Children could receive squishy toys, glow sticks, slinkies, play-doh, bubbles, slap bracelets, coloring books, frisbees, cowbells, and much more.”
Months of preparation led up to this year's trunk-or-treat event. Pablo Bukata, MD, wanted this year’s event to take another step after being such a big hit in the first year.
“We had to get all the logistical parts about where to situate people and get parking in advance,” Bukata said. “We made sure that we not only had the candy for everyone to give out but also a costume to wear. This day has been circled on our calendar for a long time.”
Bukata is also happy to see the turnout of patients of Associated Pediatricians.
“Both years, we’ve had plenty of families in attendance,” Bukata said.
“When we see our patients at work, they’re usually sick or dealing with something else. This is much more fun to see them having a good time with family and friends.”
“I hope that everyone can come into our trunk-or-treat event and just enjoy themselves,” Gibson said. “The kids are only little for a short time and watching their eyes glow with excitement as they look at each one of the car themes or dig through baskets is a great memory. Our staff is thankful for our partners' contributions to making things like that happen.”
For more information on Associated Pediatricians or Kidsworks, you can visit their websites.
