Kids Fest 2009 Activities
It was another successful
Kids Festival that the
MEED Center proudly sponsored on Saturday August 29, 2009 from 9am to noon. We had a great turnout of about 1,800 people.
The event was a festive affair that included face painting, crafts, games and Thai classical music performance by the
Chao Pra Ya and Philippine traditional dances by the
Maharlika Dancers, health and safety vendors and giveaways by
Parsons,
Ryan Thebeau State Farm Agency,
Parkland and
U.S. Census. There was a Bookmobile that the children could explore, check out books and movies, and even sign up for a library card on the spot.
We gave out 800 backpacks to students in local schools in our neighborhood:
Cesar Chavez, Zaragoza, Fannin, JFK, JW Ray, Peak Academy, Bonham and
Spence Middle School. The backpacks were purchased using cash donations and most of the school supplies were donated.
It was a large crowd at the immunization area.
Parkland Hospital's CareVan gave 309 free immunization shots to 184 students. Also, the
IRS/Lions gave 23 free eye exams and glasses. The "dance competitions" were a hit with the children as well as parents.
Performances and Giveaways
Host Sponsors
MEED Center
Women's Southwest Federal Credit Union
Parkland Health & Hospital System
Platinum Sponsors - $1,000
Texas Instruments
Parsons/DISD
Gold Sponsors - $500
Ryan Thebeau, State Farm Insurance
Red River Solutions, LLC
Anonymous
Silver Sponsors - $250
Eedgar Olougouna & Microsoft Matching
East Dallas Christian Church
Azteca Enterprises
Gerald Askew
School Supply Donors
Fiesta Mart, Inc.
Residents from South Side on Lamar
Very special thanks to
JFK Elementary School for letting us use their building, tables and chairs for the event and to
DART for providing shuttle service to and from the festival.
Volunteers
Generous contributions were received from the Women's Coalition, L. Spanke, Good Earth, Inc., M. Lacy, S. Ferguson, Jeffrey Cheng, Mosaic Family Services, Inc. and Newflower Farmers Market.
This wonderful grassroots event would not have been possible without the effort and commitment of numerous volunteers. Our planning committee began preparations in April; soliciting funds, vendors, picking up school supplies, stuffing backpacks, and setting and cleaning up on the day of the event. Thank you all!