Elf Foundation Dedicates Five New Theaters at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
May 16, 2006 3:07 PM
Magic was in the air on April 13, 2006, as the kids at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children woke up to find five of their playrooms magically transformed into private entertainment theaters and education centers, with state-of-the-art flat-panel plasma televisions and thrilling surround-sound movie entertainment awaiting to transport them far away from the daily grind of their hospital stay. Thanks to the Elf Foundation, a non-profit organization that creates Room of Magic theaters across the country; Winter Garden, Fla.-based managing partner Anika Ruff of Integrated Electronic Interiors; and a star-studded roster of generous consumer electronics manufacturers, these magical spaces for the kids and their families have become a reality.
The five new Rooms of Magic are part of the Elf Foundation’s and Integrated Electronic Interiors’ Phase I project work for the hospital, and a new 80-seat capacity theater will be incorporated as part of Phase II when the hospital undergoes a remodel scheduled for completion in 2007. Additionally, the Elf Foundation celebrates a milestone with the realization that more than 50 magical theaters have been opened since the foundation’s July 2001 incorporation.
“We were overjoyed when Anika approached the foundation and told us she was ready to take on a project in Orlando,” says Doug Weinstein, president of the Elf Foundation. “Anika has a heart of gold, and we couldn’t be prouder to have Integrated Electronic Interiors represent Elf in this long-term collaboration with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
The theaters have seen constant use since Integrated Electronic Interiors completed each one. The response from the staff, patients, and families has been overwhelming.
“Everyday I hear a patient [new and old] remark on how incredibly lucky we are to have these amazing gifts in our playrooms,” says Abbe Crutchfield, certified child life specialist. “The oncology/hematology patients who I work with have especially enjoyed having movie nights with their families as their stays can exceed two months on some visits. I see the smiles every day and hear the compliments from children and their parents all the time.”
The three entertainment theaters feature flat-panel plasma televisions from acclaimed video display manufacturer Runco International. Klipsch Audio donated the audio speakers that comprise the incredible surround sound effects, and the electronics are from renowned audio company Denon Electronics. Toshiba flat-panel LCD monitors were incorporated into two additional areas to provide education and gaming accessibility.
The final result is five new Rooms of Magic for the special children of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. And in the summer of 2007, the kids and families will have the opportunity to get the big-screen experience when Integrated Electronic Interiors and the Elf Foundation unveil a large format entertainment center for the hospital.
