Fourteen members of the Horizon League's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee visited Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, on July 31, including Detroit's own Brigid Mulroy (West Bloomfield, MI/Marian). The community outreach opportunity included guest speakers, a video session and tour of the hospital.

"It was a great experience to interact with other Horizon League athletes out of their element during a weekend that was focused on community service," said Mulroy. "What made the experience more meaningful is that instead of competing against the other athletes from the different schools, we were all on a level playing field trying to better the community."

Riley receives part of its funding from the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that supports more than 170 children's hospitals in the United States.

The Horizon League will be working with the Children's Miracle Network in 2009-10 after being introduced by one of its major corporate partners, Speedway SuperAmerica LLC.

“I am sure Riley Children's Hospital was an eye-opening experience for everyone who went,” commented Stephanie Jarvis, an associate commissioner at the Horizon League. “Community outreach is one of the Horizon League's four platforms, and this was a great opportunity for us here in Indianapolis.

“We really appreciate the Riley staff spending some time with our group. Hopefully, we can take another group to their world-class facility in the future.”

Since 1924, Riley Hospital for Children has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families. The dedicated pediatric physicians, clinical staff and generous donors have made Riley a place of hope and healing for generations of Hoosiers.

As Indiana's only comprehensive pediatric hospital, Riley has more than 245,000 inpatient and outpatient pediatric visits annually from across the state, nation and world. The nationally-recognized operation has over 1,900 full-time employees, a medical staff of approximately 350 and nearly 600 volunteers.

Riley's relationship with Clarian Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine makes it the only comprehensive pediatric clinical resource for Indiana's children and a premiere source for health-related information for their parents.

Corporate Giving Officer Sherry Sutton and Dance Marathon Coordinator Robyn Wood led the group, which also included three members of the Horizon League staff.

All 14 student-athletes walked away with a positive feeling and the visit could also motivate each individual to do more in their respective communities.