Now in it’s 10th year, Carnival of Care, a one-of-a-kind healthcare expo that transforms vendor booths into carnival booths, offers a day of wheelchair-friendly family fun that also educates and informs.
The event provides information, services and support for patients suffering from spinal cord injuries or other mental and physical disabilities, as well for patient caretakers, and their families. The carnival atmosphere features clowns, games, balloon artists, face painters, free food, entertainment and much more.
“Carnival of Care is a day to honor and celebrate those who have survived catastrophic injury and disability,” says Ziad Kassab, who has been the MC of the event since its inception. This year, Kassab’s non-profit group The D-MAN Foundation will take the reigns of organizing the fair.
Participating vendors and sponsors are encouraged to join in the fun by designing festive booths as games or other party-like spaces. Past years have seen crowds of more than 1000 attendees, with over 65 vendors in a single day.
The musical itinerary includes a live performance by piano player and singer Tyrone Hamilton, an extraordinary show by Len McCulloch and his Therapy Choir, and a special music program by the D-MAN All-Stars.
“This event fits perfectly into the D-MAN Foundation’s mission,” says Kassab, whose All Stars are participants from D-MAN’s innovative music therapy program and recording studio.
D-MAN Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping and enriching the lives of those affected by spinal cord injury and other severe disabilities. They provide services including education, travel programs, music therapy, fundraising and other events designed to elevate the lives of patients and their families.
The event’s special guests of honor will be the disabled attendees, who will be treated to free raffle tickets for an array of great prizes like TVs, DVD players, sports tickets, concert tickets, and all sorts of fantastic giveaways sponsored by the vendors.
Carnival of Care is free and open to the public. Free transportation is available to qualifying handicapped guests. It takes place Sunday, April 3, 10:00am to 3:00 p.m. at the Sterling Inn in Sterling Heights.
For more information about the event, visit www.mydman.org/carnivalofcare. For information on becoming a sponsor, vendor or volunteer, contact Lexus Yousif at 248-267-0229 or yourdmanz@gmail.com.
