Associated Pediatricians brings the community together for annual Trunk or Treat

Associated Pediatricians was the place to be on Sunday, October 18, as families lined the block for the practice’s annual community Trunk or Treat.

Greeting the children and their families was Dr. Bukata, a familiar face to many despite being dressed as an infamous footballer from overseas with a big wig and faux stache. He welcomed trick-or-treaters with big smiles, high-fives and Associated Pediatricians drawstring bags for collecting their goodies.

The event is one of the practice’s favorites of the year, and it showed. Costumes stretched as far as the eye could see, and there wasn’t a frown in the crowd.

“We’re primary care, so primary care is everything. It’s family, it’s school, it’s everything,” Bukata said. “Being in the community is part of the whole effort to take care of kids.”

Associated Pediatricians’ providers care for children from infancy well into their teen years, which means they play an instrumental role not only in the lives of their patients, but also in the lives of the families who place their trust in them. For Associated Pediatricians, building those lasting relationships doesn’t stop at the exam room door.

Dana Gibson, practice manager, was all smiles watching the community turn out.

“What this means to us and to the community is being able to open our facility, literally for everyone – whether they’re patients or not,” Gibson said. “We’re just bringing everyone in, in a very safe environment, to have fun.”

Families caravanned from trunk to trunk, admiring the decorations and one another’s costumes. Nearly every car was hosted by a member of the practice’s staff, from medical assistants and nurses to receptionists and physicians.

The crowd paused only to take in a performance from a troupe of dancing witches, who took over the parking lot with a choreographed routine of spinning brooms and twirling skirts. The dance was also performed by the The Dune Witch Dancers. This was just a fraction of the fun to be had at the event.

For many families, the evening offered a rare chance to connect with the Associated Pediatricians staff outside of an office visit. For the staff, it was equally as valuable of an opportunity to see their patients at their happiest.

“It’s fun to give back and see our patients in a fun way instead of when they’re sick or scared,” said Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, a pediatrician with the practice.

The turnout for the event was one of the best in the event’s history.

“We plan for a thousand kids, and we’re hitting that this year, which is amazing,” Campbell said.

By the end of the night, the block was still lined, and families were headed home with bags packed with candy and hearts full of Halloween and community cheer.

To learn more about Associated Pediatricians and what exciting events the practice has in store for the remainder of the year, please visitassociatedpediatricians.com.