Matteson, Thatcher Put Smiles on Kids' Faces

Patients at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, N.C., were excited when a couple of PGA TOUR pros stopped by for a visit.
Sandro Lamberti Photography

August 17, 2011

By PGA TOUR Staff

GREENSBORO, N.C.—Wyndham Worldwide brought a little bit of the Wyndham Championship to the patients, families and staff at the pediatrics department at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital Aug. 16 with a “Vacation Day.” PGA TOUR players Troy Matteson and Roland Thatcher helped make it a memorable one.

“Vacation Day” in the pediatric unit was one filled with entertainment and excitement for the children, patients, staff and special visitors throughout the day and was coordinated by the company’s Wishes by Wyndham philanthropic program and Wyndham Worldwide.

Additionally, Wyndham Worldwide partnered with Starlight Children’s Foundation and the PGA TOUR players competing in the Wyndham Championship, including Matteson and Thatcher, and recently unveiled two Starlight Fun Center mobile entertainment units in the pediatric unit.

The mobile Fun Centers spread instant cheer, enjoyment and comfort for young patients by rolling right where they are needed; a patient’s bedside, a holding room where hospitalized children awaiting surgery or a treatment room where children sit restlessly following treatment.

The fun continued after lunch, when Eric Danziger, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group capped off the day with a storybook reading to the children.



Wyndham Worldwide Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Flakey echoed the company’s commitment to children-focused charities. “We are honored to be welcomed into Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital to share a day with patients and their families,” said Flakey. “Today’s Vacation Day is another way Wyndham Worldwide and the Wyndham Championship can show our support for this community and helping children.”

Wyndham Worldwide signature charities include:

Associations of Hole in the Wall Camps, an international family of camps that provide free, life-changing experiences to children with serious medical conditions

Christel House International, a not-for-profit organization with the mission to help children around the world break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their societies


Starlight Children’s Foundation, which for more than 25 years has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities