Andrea

One of Dallas’ top community leaders and a proud member of the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Andrea Nayfa, was chosen to be a 2023 NorthPark Ambassador and in turn, chose to champion Children’s Health.

The purpose of the NorthPark Center Ambassador program is to shine a spotlight on Dallas’ top influencers and the causes they care about. Ambassadors are chosen specifically for their philanthropic endeavors and are offered the opportunity to partner with NorthPark Center for a variety of events and initiatives to benefit their cause of choice all year long.

Andrea shared more about why she champions Children’s Health, what the mission means to her and how philanthropy is truly a family affair in this meaningful Q&A: 

When did you first become involved with Children’s Health and why? 

I started volunteering with the Women's Auxiliary because having three children of my own, there were times when I needed Children's Health. Whether a sprained arm or high temperature, it was the total experience we had during our visit that really made an impact.  

I was raised in a family where volunteering and helping others was a priority, and my motivation was easy! This is all about kids, their health, wellbeing and future -- how can you not get involved? And for the last decade, my kids have served alongside me. We first started volunteering with Children's Toy Closet and our children helped collect toys for Child Life. It was a great way to engage my children while doing something meaningful and special for patients celebrating milestones. Each year, we would add a little more responsibility to our volunteerism. Just start small and you’ll find what works for your family! 

How long have you been a Women’s Auxiliary member and what would you say to someone interested in joining?  

I joined the Women’s Auxiliary in 2016 and would say that if you want to be surrounded by empowering and inspiring women -- this is the place! They are smart, talented and have a common goal of making life better for children. I have developed so many wonderful friendships and it's so FUN! 

How did you find out you were chosen to be a 2023 NorthPark Ambassador and why did you choose to spotlight Children’s Health?  

My dear friend Kristen Gibbins, who is the director of marketing at NorthPark, surprised me with the news. I was incredibly honored and saw it as a perfect opportunity to contribute in a larger capacity to the mission of Children’s Health. Being a NorthPark Ambassador and benefiting Children's Health is more than a title for me, it encompasses all the work we have done together to further the mission of making life better for children. NorthPark’s partnership is so generous and provides an amazing platform for Children Health's message and events, like Breakfast with Santa Spectacular where 100% of the proceeds benefit patients and families. 

What is A Season of Giving about and what does it mean to you?  

A Season of Giving is a program that benefits Children's Health throughout the month of December through events and programs. You can donate toys, buy a ticket to Breakfast with Santa Spectacular…there are so many more opportunities during the holidays.  

It’s the spirit of the holiday season where we pause and reflect on the blessings we have in our lives.  

You can learn more about A Season of Giving and find ways to spread love, joy and compassion while making an impact on the patients and families at Children's Health.  

What contributed to giving the beloved Breakfast With Santa Spectacular event a fresh new approach?  

Several years ago, Kristin Mitchell and I were asked to co-chair the Breakfast with Santa Spectacular event. I'll never forget our brainstorming breakfast with the team at Children's Health. It was a roundtable meeting filled with creative minds and crazy ideas. After many years of hosting it in conjunction with the Dallas Holiday Parade we made the exciting decision to bring a fresh approach to the breakfast event. Breakfast with Santa Spectacular is now a show-stopping morning full of fun with cookie decorating, dance performances, partnerships with so many amazing Dallas groups and of course, NorthPark’s Santa! It’s the perfect way to create memories with your kids. 

What is your favorite event of A Season of Giving and why?  

This is a tough one -- they are all wonderful events. One of my favorites is the Magical Moments and Santa Visits. The generosity shown by NorthPark by sharing Santa with the patients and families at the hospital is truly heartwarming. What fun to be part of something that brings smiles and magic to patients in their rooms. When I think about these special moments and the impact made on the patients and families, it brings the efforts full circle. These are beautiful examples of how we can spread cheer at the hospital during the holidays.   

Are there any other initiatives that the Women’s Auxiliary and NorthPark are working together on for Children’s Health?  

Yes, Movies with a Mission! It was founded by my daughter, Ella Kate, and her dear friend, Barrett Gibbins. With a passion for film, they wanted to find a way to bring teens together to enjoy an afternoon at the movies while giving back to the community. They had the support of over 100 teens from more than 24 private and public schools. This is their 3rd annual event, in partnership with AMC NorthPark 15, and they have expanded their movie series from one to five screens this year. There are many charity events for adults, but they felt they needed something for teens. Proceeds from Movies with a Mission benefit mental health services at Children's Health since this has become a predominant concern.  

What is your most memorable time of volunteering for Children’s Health and why?  

The first year we moved the Breakfast with Santa Spectacular event to NorthPark Center. It was a bold move to recreate a beloved family tradition, but the new Breakfast with Santa Spectacular was truly spectacular! The transformation of NorthPark Center into a winter wonderland was absolutely magical! The joy and excitement on the kids’ faces (and adults too) were priceless. The special Christmas performances were outstanding, getting to take photos with the beloved Santa Carl and interacting with the special characters captured the essence of the holiday spirit.  

What does Children’s Health mean to you?  

Children Health means family to me! I have developed so many wonderful friendships through volunteering.  

Have you yourself, a family member or friend ever received care from Children’s Health?  Yes, when my daughter Ella Kate was two years old, she had a chalazion removal procedure on both of her eyes. I remember feeling nervous and a little scared knowing our daughter was undergoing surgery. Also, having two boys who played contact sports, we spent a few times visiting the emergency department with minor injuries. There was no question about where we were going to take our children for the best care and treatment. The doctors and staff are professionals and the best in town.  

What impact do you hope to make by advocating for Children’s Health?  

Children are our future and my goal is to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of children. By advocating for Children's Health, I hope to raise funds through the various initiatives and collaborations. These funds help provide essential medical care, research advancements and support programs for children and their families.  

Andrea’s generous spirit and enthusiastic volunteerism beautifully demonstrate the value of philanthropy. Advocates like Andrea give families hope for a better tomorrow.

Join the Women’s Auxiliary’s A Season of Giving for fun and philanthropy!