Throws for dough: Tossing pies for a sweet cause
27 Aug 2023Imaging’s fundraiser supports young campers with autism
By: Emily Sweet, internal communications coordinator
It was a whipped cream crime scene of sweet revenge on Thursday, Aug. 17, in Pringle Hall.
No, a sugar-fueled baker wasn’t wreaking havoc with Reddi-wip and graham crackers. Nope, brave imaging staff were taking pies straight to the face to raise funds for their 2023 “Caring beyond the bedside” charity, Camp Odakoda.
But just like the fundraiser’s slogan, you couldn’t throw unless you paid the dough.
Staff from imaging, scheduling and radiology at Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and Salem Health Medical Clinic – Woodburn bought tickets to toss, hurl and lob pies smack into their colleagues' (previously sparkling) visages.
Last year their first “Throw a Pie for Autism” fundraiser not only raised $382 for Camp Odakoda but staff spent an afternoon volunteering at the camp.
“The event was so successful, we decided to do it again this year,” said Linda Gerig, data coordinator for imaging. This year, they nearly doubled their efforts, raising $705, which they’ll present to Misty Moxley, executive director of Camp Odakoda.
“I would like to thank all our contestants,” Linda said. “Rose Quintana, Joe Garcia, Dr. Yama Kharoti, Miranda Schotthoefer, Julian Leung, Brent Lenahan, Amie Blecker, James Thompkins and Kip Iv.”
Imaging staff truly took one for the team to help an important cause.
Miranda Schotthoefer, RN, imaging assistant nursing manager
Why did you take part?
“It was a fun thing for staff to do and raises money for a good cause.”
What was the experience like?
“It was scary at first because I’ve never been on the receiving end of ‘pie-in-your-face.’ Lots of laughs!”
What is your favorite pie to eat (when it’s not being thrown in your face)?
“Marionberry.”
Brent Lenahan, CT imaging lead
Why did you take part?
“Our work environment can be very stressful. I wanted to be a part of this activity that gives our employees a break from the normal and a chance to have some fun. The fact that we can raise money for a great cause at the same time is just icing on the cake, or this case, whip cream on the pie.”
What was the experience like?
“I sat in the chair and had pie smeared on my face for 45 minutes. Despite being sticky, and the smell of whip cream warming up, there were lots of laughs and smiles to make it worth it.”
What is your favorite pie to eat (when it’s not being thrown in your face)?
“Banana cream.”
Rose Quintana, imaging services manager
Why did you take part?
“It is all for the kids. Camp Odakoda is an awesome place for children with special needs to experience the outdoors and make new friends, and it also gives some respite time to their caregivers.”
What was the experience like?
“It was sticky haha! Honestly, I would do it again, it was good to give staff a break. Who wouldn’t want to throw a pie at their boss?!”
What is your favorite pie to eat (when it’s not being thrown in your face)?
“Anything lemon.”
What is Camp Odakoda?
Camp Odakoda is the only overnight camp in the Pacific Northwest designed for children with autism. The camp offers a one-week summer camp experience for 10- to 18-year-olds, where campers can grow, expand their social experiences, enjoy their uniqueness, take pride in their strengths and just have fun!
You can learn more about the camp here.