Orlando, FL Magic was in the air on April, 13, 2006 as the kids at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children woke up to find 5 of their playrooms magically transformed into private entertainment theaters and education centers, with state-of-the-art flat-panel plasma televisions and thrilling surround sound movie entertainment awaiting to transport them far away from the daily grind of their hospital stay. Thanks to the Elf Foundation, a non-profit organization that creates Room of Magic theaters across the country, Winter Garden, Florida-based managing partner Anika Ruff, of Integrated Electronic Interiors, and a star-studded roster of generous consumer electronics manufacturers, these magical spaces for the kids and their families have become a reality. The 5 new Rooms of Magic are part of the Elf Foundation’s and Integrated Electronics Interiors’ Phase I project work for the hospital, and a new 80-seat capacity theater will be incorporated as part of Phase II when the hospital undergoes a remodel scheduled for completion in 2007. Additionally, the Elf Foundation celebrates a milestone with the realization that over 50 magical theaters have been opened since the foundation’s July 2001 incorporation. “We were overjoyed when Anika approached the foundation and told us she was ready to take on a project in Orlando,” said Doug Weinstein, president of the Elf Foundation. “Anika has a heart of gold and we couldn’t be prouder to have Integrated Electronics Interiors represent Elf in this long-term collaboration with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. The theaters have seen constant use since Integrated Electronic Interiors completed each one. The response from the staff and patients and families has been overwhelming. “Everyday I hear a patient (new and old) remark on how incredibly lucky we are to have these amazing gifts in our playrooms,” said Abbe Crutchfield, Certified Child Life Specialist. “The oncology/hematology patients who I work with have especially enjoyed having movie nights with their families as their stays can exceed 2 months on some visits. I see the smiles every day and hear the compliments from children and their parents all the time.” The three entertainment theaters feature flat-panel plasma televisions from acclaimed video display manufacturer, Runco International. Klipsch Audio donated the audio speakers that comprise the incredible surround sound effects, and the electronics are from renowned audio company, Denon Electronics. Toshiba flat-panel LCD monitors were incorporated into two additional areas to provide education and gaming accessibility. The final result is 5 new Rooms of Magic for the special children of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. And in the summer of 2007, the kids and families will have the opportunity to get the big screen experience when Integrated Electronic Interiors and the Elf Foundation unveil a large format entertainment center for the hospital. About The Elf Foundation The Elf Foundation was founded in July of 2001, with the express mission of creating private entertainment theaters – ‘Rooms of Magic’ - for children’s hospitals, shelters for abused children, autism centers, and children’s disability shelters across the country. Operating as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charity, the foundation acts as a catalyst within the consumer electronics industry and in local communities to advance their mission of bringing the magic of music and film to special kids and families in a time of need. To date, the Elf Foundation has opened over 45 ‘Room of Magic’ theaters in North America. For more information visit www.elfSystems.org About Runco International, Inc. Founded in 1987 and currently headquartered in Union City, California, Runco International, Inc. is a market leader in state-of-the-art projection systems, flat-panel plasma monitors, video processors and other components for the consumer market. Runco’s innovations have won numerous awards and citations from the world press. Runco was the first company to introduce and market a line doubler with a multi-frequency projector in 1990 and also introduced the first multiple-aspect-ratio controller, the ARC-IV, to the Home Theater market. Recently, both of these features have become essential for the new digital high definition capable televisions. For more information visit www.runco.com.
Read More:
http://www.elfSystems.org
http://www.runco.com