Many CMN hospitals host holiday traditions to bring comfort and joy to children in their care. In Detroit, that tradition is Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams®—a unique event outside Corewell Health Children’s at William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak. Each December, hundreds of community members gather, flashlights in hand, to shine beams of hope toward pediatric patients and their families. Now in its 7th year, the event has become a powerful symbol of love, connection, and resilience. 

What began in 2017 with just 50 people standing in the cold has grown into a community-wide tradition that draws hundreds nightly. At 8:00 p.m. sharp, friends and neighbors shine their flashlights for 10 minutes while pediatric patients inside beam their own lights back. It’s a simple act with a profound impact: reminding children and families that they are not alone. 

Why It Matters 

The program was created to ease the loneliness children feel while hospitalized during the holidays. 

“We are proud to offer this dynamic experience to our patients and families,” shared co-leader Lisa Muma, RN. “Our history, which bookends the pandemic, is a testament to the big-heartedness and resilience of our community. Cd” 

Best Practices from the Detroit Team: 

1. Start with a Clear Mission 
   Keep the mission simple and powerful: decrease feelings of isolation and create joy for hospitalized children and their families. Use it to guide programming, partnerships, and growth. 

2. Build a Cross-Functional Team 
   Collaborate across Child Life, Nursing, Security, Marketing, Facilities, Administration, and Patient/Family Advisors. An executive sponsor helps secure resources and alignment. 

3. Plan Early and Strategically 
   Begin at least six months out with phase-based checklists: 
   – 6 months: form committee, secure space, confirm mission, set budget. 
   – 3 months: align internal/external comms, designate spokespeople, launch media plan. 
   – 2 months: recruit/train volunteers, secure equipment, hold weekly check-ins. 
   – 1 month–1 week: finalize signage, train leaders, share logistics. 
   – Event day: safety huddles, distribute flashlights, keep volunteers energized. 

4. Prioritize Safety and Accessibility 
   With crowds from hundreds to thousands, implement trained volunteers, traffic flow plans, emergency escorts, and clear sightlines for patients. Add a sensory-friendly night with items like stress balls, fidget toys, ear plugs, and paper to dim flashlights so everyone can participate. 
   “Moonbeams isn’t just about flashing lights and booming sounds. It’s about creating connection,” said co-leader Kathleen Grobbel. “If we can make small changes to accommodate community members who might not otherwise participate, it just makes sense.” 

5. Engage the Community in Giving 
   Invite attendees to donate toys via the hospital’s Amazon wish list, with collection boxes onsite—extending the spirit of the season beyond the nightly gathering. 

6. Measure, Reflect, and Adapt 
   Evaluate each year using attendance, donations, and satisfaction, plus a SWOT review. Continuous improvements—sensory-friendly options, upgraded safety gear, new partnerships—keep the program thriving. 

Final Thoughts 

From a small circle of 50 to a beloved tradition embraced by thousands, Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams® shows the extraordinary power of community. Even the simplest gesture—shining a flashlight toward a hospital window—can create lasting moments of joy and connection for children and families. 

Want to learn more? Contact Charlotte Alex at charlotte.alex@corewellhealth.org.