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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- On March 16, 2007, the halls of Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital were filled with shamrock balloons, Irish music, and smiling children. During the St. Patrick's Day party, pediatric patients and their families were entertained by live Irish dancing, Star Wars characters and a tasty assortment of delicious food.

A group of students from The School of Irish Dancing performed for the crowd at the start of the celebration. With their curly hair and colorful dresses, the girls performed several dances to traditional Irish music. Star Wars characters - including Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi - teamed up with the Chick-fil-A cow to pose for photographs with patients. After the performance, guests were treated to a St. Patrick's day lunch, including pizza, fruit, shamrock cookies, green cupcakes from Starbucks and more.

"It is so important that children enjoy holidays despite the fact that they are hospitalized," said Kimberly Lucier, child life specialist at the hospital. "Having positive, fun experiences can really lift patients' spirits and help with the healing process. We host these kinds of activitities at Hemby Children's Hospital year round."

In addition to the food and entertainment, children had their faces painted and completed arts and crafts activitities provided by TIAA-CREF volunteers.

For more information about Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital, please visit www.presbyterian.org/hemby