CCKids Outreach Transitions with a Goodbye and a Hello to the Community

August 13, 2025

A Message from Christina Kaiser,

Community Relations Director

Dear Friends and Partners,

After 25 years of calling CCKids my professional home and the community my extended family, it’s time for me to step into a new chapter. It’s a bittersweet farewell, because this work—and all of you—have shaped my life in ways I’ll always treasure. From toy drives to ribbon cuttings, from late-night event setups to early morning races, we have built something special together.

One of the things I'm most proud of has been the Making Christmas Bright program, through which I have met so many of you. This beloved tradition will not only continue but thrive long after I'm gone. The plans for this year are already in motion, and I’ve been working closely with my successor to ensure a smooth handoff.

I’m thrilled to introduce Dana Anderwald, who will be stepping in as CCKids’ new Community Relations Director. Dana brings fresh energy, and a genuine love for connecting people and resources.

In fact, you may already know her from her work on the Hibiscus Children's Center Guild or in her film work as a working actress in Florida. She has led her children's PTA, volunteers regularly and is a person who gets thins done! I have every confidence that she will care for these programs—and for this community—just as you have always cared for me and the work we do at CCKids.

Thank you for the countless ways you’ve made this work not just a job, but a joy. I’ll be cheering you on from my new home in Maryland.

Pictured top left is Christina Kaiser. In the bottom right picture is, from left, Dana Anderwald, Josie Kirchner and Jeff Howard. Dana began her new post this month and immediately got to work with the CCKids school supply drive. Kirchner is the clinical director for CCKids, and Howard coordinates the supply drive for the United Way of Okeechobee and St. Lucie County.