Associated Pediatricians held its annual community Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 18, drawing numerous Valparaiso families to the practice’s location. The event saw families line the block, participating in a festive celebration that the practice’s staff described as one of their favorite yearly occasions.
Dr. Bukata, identifiable to many despite being in costume as an "infamous footballer from overseas," greeted trick-or-treaters with smiles, high-fives, and Associated Pediatricians drawstring bags for collecting treats. The atmosphere was notably positive, with costumes visible across the crowd and no reported frowns.
A significant aspect of the event was the active participation of the practice’s personnel. Nearly every car providing candy was hosted by a member of the Associated Pediatricians staff, ranging from medical assistants and nurses to receptionists and physicians, who had decorated their trunks. The event also featured entertainment, with the Dune Witch Dancers performing a choreographed routine that included spinning brooms and twirling skirts in the parking lot.
Practice manager Dana Gibson highlighted the practice's intention behind the event, noting it allowed them to "open our facility" to everyone, regardless of whether they were current patients. She emphasized the goal of bringing the community together in a secure environment for enjoyment. Dr. Bukata further elaborated on the connection to their primary care mission, stating, "Being in the community is part of the whole effort to take care of kids." He explained that primary care is comprehensive, extending to family and school life.
For many families, the Trunk or Treat offered a distinct chance to interact with the Associated Pediatricians staff outside of a clinical setting. Similarly, for the staff, it provided a valuable opportunity to see their patients in a joyful state. Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, a pediatrician with the practice, shared that it was rewarding "to give back and see our patients in a fun way" instead of when they might be sick or apprehensive.
Associated Pediatricians provides care for children from infancy through their teenage years, signifying their instrumental role in the lives of both their patients and the families who entrust them with care. The practice views building these lasting relationships as extending beyond the confines of the exam room. The turnout for this year's Trunk or Treat was reported as one of the best in the event's history. Dr. Campbell confirmed that the practice plans for approximately one thousand children, a number they reached at this year's event. By the conclusion of the evening, the block remained lined with departing families, who headed home with bags filled with candy and a sense of community engagement.
