In April 2002, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) visited the Shirley J. Howsman Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas, for a special assembly for third graders on the importance of sleep. The Sleep Well. Do Well. Star Sleeper Campaign event was held in conjunction with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), a Campaign partner that was having its annual conference in San Antonio.

Garfield, the Campaign "spokescat", NAESP President Darrell Rud and Dr. Carl Hunt, Director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research at NHLBI, spoke with students, teachers and parents about the importance of getting at least nine hours of sleep each night on a consistent basis. The school was selected based on its stellar achievements, diversity, affiliation with NAESP and enthusiasm for working with NHLBI.

To prepare for the event, students participated in special classroom activities on sleep during the week. During the event, they heard Mr. Rud and Dr. Hunt discuss the importance of sleep and tips for obtaining a good night's sleep. Garfield was on hand to give each child a Star Sleeper Fun Pad containing educational puzzles and games, and to have his picture taken with each class at the end of the assembly.

The Campaign successfully engaged parents, teachers, and students before the assembly by providing advance materials, including classroom activities related to sleep and a letter for parents. This preparation and the cooperation among the school, NAESP, and NHLBI were significant factors in the success of the event.

The San Antonio school event reached several hundred children, their parents, and teachers with important messages about the benefits of getting adequate sleep. Media coverage surrounding the event also reached more than 900,000 members of the public and an article was published in the San Antonio Express News.