Published: April 22, 2009
LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University head football coach Mark Dantonio today was named Honorary Chairman of the Children's Miracle Network at the Sparrow Children's Center. Dantonio will play an integral role in helping thousands of children throughout the mid-Michigan region get the care they need.
"My wife Becky and I are very excited about this opportunity to work with the Children's Miracle Network and help to positively impact the people of mid-Michigan and the Greater Lansing Area," Dantonio said. "Former MSU hockey coach and athletics director Ron Mason did such an outstanding job of elevating the Children's Miracle Network to its current place in the community, and we look forward to having a long and productive role in this program."
As one of his first responsibilities, Dantonio will be co-hosting the 21st annual Sparrow CMN Telethon, held May 29-30 at the Sparrow Professional Building.
Dantonio, who has served as the MSU head football coach since 2006, will be taking up the mantle held since 1991 by former MSU hockey coach and Athletics Director Ron Mason. Mason also started the Ron Mason Fund for Kids in 1998, which raises funds to benefit the pediatric rehabilitation program at the Sparrow Children's Center.
"We are honored and thrilled to have Coach Dantonio as our new chairman of the Children's Miracle Network at Sparrow," said Sparrow Foundation President Mike Wall. "Mark is dedicated, compassionate and well-respected throughout the community. He is the perfect person to fill the very large shoes of Ron Mason and do great work to help children throughout mid-Michigan."
The Sparrow Children's Center has been affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network since 1988. More than 10,000 children from the mid-Michigan area visit the Children's Center each year. CMN funds help to expand Sparrow's facilities, conduct important research, purchase equipment and sponsor community health and wellness programs.
The Sparrow Children's Center is the regional referral center for pediatrics. The Granger Pediatric Emergency Department is the region's first full-service, 24/7 ER custom-designed, equipped and staffed specifically for the care and comfort of children.