by Thomas Hobson
Child Life Director

One the aspects of my job that I love is getting to see all of the wonderful committee organizations that do things to support the patients and families at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.  I mention this because one of my favorite events hosted by an Memphis organization happened earlier this month.

Over the past several years, the Memphis Zoo has hosted Dreamnight at the Zoo.  This event is geared towards patients and families of Le Bonheur Children’s.  The Zoo opens on the invited families, and that’s where the fun just begins. 

Typically, several hundred people attend the event.  Now, if you’ve ever spent time at the Memphis Zoo, you know that several hundred people being there is like having the Zoo to yourself.  This is one of the biggest draws for our families. 

If the family has their child(ren) and medical equipment (i.e. wheelchairs, ventilators, and others), it makes it far easier to maneuver around.  In past years, I had a mother tell me it was one of her family’s best experiences because they didn’t have to worry about knocking people down with everything.

Next, there are zookeepers everywhere you turn that are more than happy to explain the Zoo.  It’s like having a private tour with star treatment.  You come away from the evening knowing more about the animals than you ever thought you would.

The fun doesn’t stop there.  Dreamnight as has lots of fun activities.  Want to dance?  There’s a dance floor.  Want a photo to remember the evening?  There are two mascots to help make it memorable.  Hungry?  Don’t worry dinner is provided.

The Memphis Zoo goes out of their way to provide a magical evening for children and their families.  I cannot thank them enough for doing it.  However, I would be willing to guess that all they have to do is look at the smiles and listen to the laughs to know the impact Dreamnight at the Zoo makes.