Des Moines, IA – Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest, through its Commonwealth Cares initiative, has generously donated $100,000 to the Child Life Program at UnityPoint Health – Blank Children’s Hospital. This donation underscores Commonwealth’s commitment to illuminating lives and serving the community.
The Child Life Program at Blank Children’s Hospital holds a special place in the hearts of Commonwealth employees. Since 2012, field and office staff have invested thousands of hours—and dollars—through their participation in the annual Festival of Trees and Lights, setting up and tearing down the trees for the fundraiser each year. In 2014, Commonwealth made a significant contribution by purchasing a mall train and donating it to the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation for use at the Festival. Each year, Commonwealth continues to maintain, set up, tear down, and store the train.
The annual Festival raises more than $1 million each year and directly supports the Child Life Program, paying for specialists who work with the children at Blank Children’s Hospital. The program is 100% funded by these donations.
“We are deeply grateful to our friends at Commonwealth
Electric for their generous $100,000 gift to Child Life and
Blank Children’s Hospital. Their unwavering support over
the years has been instrumental in advancing our mission
and enhancing the care we provide to our young patients.
Commonwealth Electric’s continued dedication, especially
through their involvement in the Festival of Trees & Lights,
demonstrates the profound impact that community
partnerships can have. Thank you for standing with us and
helping create brighter futures for children in Iowa.”
– Erica Axiotis,
President of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation
Blank Children’s Hospital is committed to family-centered healing, caring, and teaching. With hundreds of doctors, nurses, and staff who care for patients from before birth through adolescence, Blank Children’s is a hospital unlike any other. The number of medical specialists, programs, and services is constantly growing to improve care and meet the changing health needs of children and families. Blank Children’s Hospital is a provider-based facility of Iowa Methodist Medical Center. The Child Life Program at Blank Children’s Hospital helps patients and their families understand medical options, talk through emotions while keeping the patient’s life as normal as possible, ease nerves prior to procedures, and so much more.
Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest has a 40+ year working relationship with UnityPoint Health and its affiliates. Over those years, Commonwealth has built wonderful and longstanding relationships with the UnityPoint Health staff. Commonwealth cherishes being a part of the exceptional team at UnityPoint Health; the relationship that has been built is truly special, and it is held in the highest regard.
Project Managers Kate Kriegel and Ashley Huinker nominated the Child Life Program at Blank Children’s Hospital for the Commonwealth Cares initiative due to their personal experiences with the organization.
“My niece was born with craniofacial synostosis, a condition where the skull is prematurely fused, causing it to develop abnormally,” Kriegel said. “She is now six years old and has undergone two major reconstructive surgeries. These surgeries provoke a lot of emotion from not only my niece but also our family and friends. As a family, we are scared and often confused because we do not understand the medical terms used by the surgeons. Thankfully, Child Life Specialists explained the surgery to my niece and our family in a way that makes sense. They ease fears prior to surgery, encourage play as a post-operation recovery method, and provoke laughs from my niece and our family at a time when it only feels appropriate to cry. The surgeons healed my niece’s skull, but it was the Child Life Specialists that touched our hearts.”
The Commonwealth Cares initiative formalizes all aspects of the company’s giving under the banner “Energizing Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow,” building upon local efforts and establishing a framework for more significant, strategic charitable actions. Commonwealth’s philanthropic approach is rooted in the belief that the company exists not only to deliver top-tier electrical, low voltage, and exposition services, but also to actively contribute to the betterment of its industry, customers, and communities. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and community within Commonwealth, encouraging employees to actively contribute and nominate charities that are important to them. This inclusive process allows employees to use their skills, volunteer their time, and have a say in the philanthropic direction of their company.
About Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest
Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest is a 100% Employee Owned, full-service electrical and low voltage contractor located in Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah. Commonwealth specializes in large and small-scale commercial and industrial electrical work while offering 24/7 service, design and build assist, and pre-fabrication to ensure every project is completed with efficiency and expertise. Learn more at www.commonwealthelectric.com.
