80th Anniversary Signature Project
The Junior League of Oklahoma City and Children’s Hospital
Bring “The Zone” to Community
Spring 2009

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO "THE ZONE" PROJECT 

The Junior League of Oklahoma City has a long-standing association with Children’s Hospital. The League’s partnership dates back to the 1930s when the very first project launched with what is today known as the Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center.

The two partners will unite again for a new endeavor called “The Zone.” The 5,000 square feet, multi-faceted area will provide young patients with their own haven within the hospital. It will be a stress-free place where they can read books, watch movies, enjoy computer activities and meet with visitors. Currently, there is limited space within the hospital to take respite from their care and spend time with family and friends in a more relaxed setting.

Children’s Hospital treats more than 100,000 children each year, not including their families and friends that visit their loved ones. These children do not represent one socioeconomic group, any one race or religion.

The Junior League committed to Children’s Hospital to assist in raising $1.1 million by November 2008 to fully fund “The Zone’s” creation. Expenditures include construction, book drives and marketing costs. The aim is to have the entire project completed by spring 2009. The League has already committed a large number of volunteers and resources to ensure this project is successful. With more than 1,400 members in the metropolitan area, the League will involve nearly every member in the effort.

The Junior League exists solely to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through the effect action and leadership of trained volunteers. This year, Junior League of Oklahoma City proudly celebrates its 80th anniversary. “The Zone” is a wonderful way for our organization to give back to the community and mark that huge milestone. We can only impact the hospital, children, their families and community through generous donations from individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations.

The League has marshaled volunteer and financial resources for more than eight decades to meet central Oklahoma’s community needs. From the arts to education and health to science, Junior League has created and supported some of the state’s most vital nonprofit organizations including Variety Health Center, Festival of the Arts, Jungle Gym at OKC Zoo and many more.

In 2004, the Junior League adopted a 10-year literacy focus and was instrumental in establishing, in 2006, the Literacy Coalition for Oklahoma City. Today, all JLOC community projects contain a literacy component and volunteers strive to meet the overall goal of improving literacy in the area. ”The Zone” at Children’s Hospital will include literacy-focused programs in addition to other enjoyable activities for the patients and their families.

Press Release on the Groundbreaking Event
Zone Project Information PDF