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Bunny Bash

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

Some folks say that magic happens every day at the Children’s Center for the Physically Disabled, and anyone who has seen one of the school’s special-needs students reach a new developmental goal would have to agree. However, it was the traditional magic of the Easter Bunny that had the classrooms abuzz on Thursday, and members of the Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors were on hand to lend assistance as the world’s most famous bunny distributed hugs to pint-size students in leg braces, walkers and wheelchairs.

Sponsored each year by WSRAR, the Easter celebration at the Children’s Center is a heartwarming proclamation of spring. Dozens of Association volunteers spend many hours planning the festivities, and the agenda includes several time-honored traditions like egg hunts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Students also take a quick tour of firetrucks brought to the school by the Winston-Salem Fire Department, and proud parents add to the family photo album with impromptu pictures of friends and beloved teachers.

“The Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors has put on the Easter Egg Hunt for the Children’s Center since 1986,” said WSRAR Marketing Director Heather Miller. “Our Realtor members love giving back to the community and enjoy the tradition of our Easter Egg Hunt at the Children’s Center School. We love to see the kids’ faces light up when they find an egg and get a visit from the Easter Bunny.”

Founded in 1952, the Children’s Center for the Physically Disabled began as a group of services offered by one individual interested in helping special-needs children. The original location for the center was in a sprawling Victorian home on Fifth Street, but the center was relocated to its current location near Graylyn five years later as enrollment grew. The expansion efforts continued over the years to meet the needs of a growing student population. Today, more than 100 children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, Rett’s syndrome, traumatic brain injuries or other unusual genetic disorders come to the Children’s Center each day for their education.

Mike Britt is the executive director of the Children’s Center. He believes that the Association of Realtors plays a key role in enhancing the lives of students at the school.

“One of the most joyful places in the world becomes even more joyful as the Realtors help our children enjoy this annual Easter event,” said Britt. “The Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors enriches the lives of these special children in so many ways.”