On a Roll

MHRC Young Professionals Go All In for Kids

Last summer, the Young Professionals Board (YPB) of the UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) upped the ante to expand the Healthy Happy Kids nutrition and fitness program into additional Birmingham city schools. More than 270 people attended their fund-raiser, the All In Casino Royale, at WorkPlay.

This inaugural event featured a “high rollers” sponsors reception, celebrity dealers, live entertainment, and door prizes. Presenting sponsors included State Farm, 98.7 Kiss FM, Walgreens, and the Walker Law Firm.

Healthy Happy Kids is a free, six-session curriculum targeting underserved elementary-school children attending after-school programs in inner-city schools. It is designed to help reduce and prevent childhood obesity. Plans call for implementing the program across the city and state as funding becomes available. In November, the YPB served as the hands-on volunteers and hosts of the Healthy Happy Kids Closing Ceremony at Princeton Elementary School. Proceeds from the All In Casino Royale brought the program to Princeton.

“What a pleasure to be able to bring smiles to the faces of Birmingham’s children as we helped to teach them lessons that will enhance their lives and the lives of those around them,” says Corey Hartman, M.D., YPB president. “Every school should be able to implement the Healthy Happy Kids program.”

“State Farm is happy to support the Healthy Happy Kids program,” says Bacarra Mauldin, State Farm representative and YPB member. “It was very rewarding to see the children in action as they learned how to make healthy, tasty snacks, and as they learned valuable lessons for leading a healthy lifestyle. Their enthusiasm was simply wonderful. State Farm is honored to support this great program. Everyone involved with this program should be proud.”

The MHRC Young Professionals Board, launched last year, is a group of 25- to 40-year-old civic leaders. The board’s primary function is to raise funds to support community outreach initiatives and the Healthy Happy Kids program.

Maintaining the Momentum / Winter/Spring 2010