Family Fest Celebration
Every year we sponsor and event we call Family Fest and we give away hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, and balloons. We have a clown that entertains those that come with laughter and her ability to make animal balloons. Adults are on hand who do face painting for free and a DJ provides family friendly music that is upbeat. One of the highlights of the event for kids is the opportunity to race in a pinewood derby race whereby all the kids who race receive prizes.
In a community that is diverse but sometimes cut along racial and ethnic lines, be it by gangs or personal discomfort relating inter-culturally, this event has been able to bring all the diverse people of the community together for an event that seems to strip away the differences of race and ethnicity. Last year Gina (an African-American woman), who we came to meet for the first time during last years event, remarked, "I have never been part of such a wonderful event in our community before. There is so much peace and everyone is getting along!"
If you would like to make a financial contribution to this special project you may do so on line by clicking the "Make a Donation" button below or you may send us a check to the address below and make sure it is marked specifically for this project.
Testimony
My name is Regina Gibson and I live in the Rogers Park Community. I have come to know Family Empowerment Centers of Chicago and the Manke family through my son Jerry and interactions with them at Schreiber Park. Scott, his family, and other volunteers of Family Empowerment Centers brought Family Fest 2003 to Schreiber Park and interacted with the kids and families at the park. It was indeed a family gathering for the Rogers Park community and included music, food, games, face painting, a dance contest and a wood stock car racing contest. It was a day of peace and joy and a refreshing gathering for our community. Since that event I have experienced the personal commitment that Family Empowerment Centers desires to make to the people of this community. My household has been blessed.
Thank you Family Empowerment - my hats off to you.
