Connect Newsletter (Sept. 17, 2026)

Join the Fun at This Year's Halloween Hoopla

Halloween Hoopla is returning this October. Get ready for creative costumes, spirited skits, friendly competition and plenty of Halloween fun. Gather your team, bring your best ideas and join us for one of our favorite employee traditions. There are opportunities to join in on festivities no matter where you work.

• Fort Worth Medical Center (live-streamed): Friday, Oct. 30, 2–3 p.m. | Live costume and skit contests. The last day to record a skit is Oct. 15.
• Prosper Medical Center: Friday, Oct. 30 | Campus contests and activities
• Calmont Office Building: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 12–1 p.m. | Live costume contest and virtual contest
• Virtual Hoopla: Open to ALL employees, no matter where you work. Enter the individual or group costume contests by submitting a photo.

Please review the Participant Guidelines before registering, as well as the Recording Studio Guidelines if your team plans to record a skit in Sparklefly Studio.

Ready to participate? Visit the Team Experience CookNet page for event details, registration information, deadlines and participant guidelines.

Today is North Texas Giving Day; Help us have a record-breaking year

Today is one of our biggest fundraising days of the year – North Texas Giving Day. Today, our community comes together to make a difference in the lives of patients and families across our entire health care system. These funds help provide the latest equipment, care for unbillable services and so much more. That’s why we need your help! 

Help us spread the word and make a difference by:

1. Click the link below to make a tax-deductible gift. When you donate, your gift will be DOUBLED thanks to Stonelake Capital Partners LLC for their generous one-for-one match up to $20,000.
2. Follow @CookChildrensHealthFoundation on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Re-share posts, tag a friend and help us have our best year yet. 

Cook Children's | North Texas Giving Day 

Thank you for going above and beyond for our patients and families. 

Your Voice Matters Survey – We Did It

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. More than 7,500 employees took the time to share their experiences, ideas, and feedback. Together, your voices are helping us identify our strengths, uncover opportunities for growth, and drive meaningful action that supports our teams, our patients, and our commitment to safety and quality.

What’s Next?
In October, leaders will receive access to the survey results portal and begin reviewing feedback from their teams. Throughout the fall, leaders will meet with their teams to discuss the results, celebrate strengths, and identify opportunities for improvement. Together, each team will select a focus area to sustain or improve. At the same time, executive leaders will review organization-wide feedback to identify key system priorities. Stay tuned for updates as we share survey insights and the actions that will help shape our future together.

The eCards Recognition Program Is Back

Looking for a simple way to brighten someone’s day? The popular eCards Recognition Program is back. These eCards are a quick and meaningful way to show appreciation, celebrate contributions, and help colleagues feel valued for the important work they do to fulfill our Promise every day.

Ready to Recognize Someone?

Visit the Recognition Tools page on CookNet. Scroll down to the section for eCards to see all your options for cards.

When you have someone in mind, select the “click here to send an eCard” button. The link takes you to the eCard builder with instructions on how to select a card, add your recipient(s) and a personal message. You’ll receive confirmation on the screen when your eCard is sent. Also, be sure to favorite this site (Modern Card) so it’s easy to return to send more cards.

Please note: If it’s your first time sending an eCard, you’ll be prompted to accept the Power Apps permissions. You’ll only need to do this once then you’re ready to start recognizing your colleagues. 

Share Your Content with Us

Do you have any tips, ideas or content you would like us to know about? We want to hear from you! Please view our SharePoint site and email us at InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. 

Check our CookNet calendar for more system-wide events and to find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.