Duke men’s baskeball coach Mike Krzyzewski kicked off the 29th annual Duke holiday card program Wednesday.
The cards are designed by six students from across the triangle, and sold to benefit programs at Duke Children’s hospital.
“We believe it kind of gets the holiday spirit going,” said Mike Krzyzewski, head coach of the Duke men’s basketball team. “There’s no better thing than to send a card designed by children to children. And we’re all children during the holiday season.”
Cambria Lentz is one of the artists who designed this year’s cards. But for her, the program has special meaning because of her two-year-old sister.
“[She's been] a patient at Duke for about maybe a year,” Lentz said.
Little Karissa Lentz has been through two eye surgeries in the past year, so her family has made lots of visits to Duke Children’s. This is by far the happiest occasion, and for Cambria, the opportunity to do something to help her little sister means a lot.
“Well, I think it’s pretty amazing that I won and have the opportunity to do this,” Lentz said.
“I think it’s very inspiring,” said Dr. Joe St. Geme III, the chairman of Duke Children’s Hospital. “It’s nice to think that our youngest generation is thinking about others and is willing to help others. It’s a great message.”
All proceeds from the sale of the cards go directly to the children’s hospital at Duke University Medical Center. To date, more than $1 million has been raised, and all of that money has gone to treat critically ill children.
“I think it’s so cool because I like helping people who are sick,” said Rebecca Melos, one of the card artists.
“It feels really great that I can help kids feel better and have a happy life,” said Olivia Dougherty, another of the artists.
Cards will be available in both generic and Christmas designs. And while the weight of what these kids are doing may not fully sink in for some time, the opportunity to hang out with Coach K surely has.
“It’s really cool,” Dougherty said.
“It was amazing that I got to meet my first coach,” said Andre Nguyen, one of the six artists.
Cards will be available at Duke hospital gift shops, as well as local Harris Teeter stores.
Or, you can order them here.
