Celebrating Community: The 2nd Annual Evanston is Family Strong Back to School Family Fun Fest
On August 24, 2024, the Evanston community came together once again for our 2nd Annual Evanston is Family Strong Back to School Family Fun Fest. This year’s event, held at the Robert Crown Community Center, exceeded all expectations with nearly 1,000 attendees—a huge increase from last year’s turnout.
Families from all over Evanston and the surrounding areas gathered to enjoy a day filled with family fun, connection, and resources to support the upcoming school year. We distributed 86 backpacks and 500 books, ensuring that our children are well-equipped to start the year strong. The generosity didn’t stop there; with the help of the Marjorie Fujara Memorial Fund and other individual donors, we raised $3,080 in cash donations. We also gave away donated grocery gift cards worth over $1,700, helping families ease the financial burden as they prepare for the new school year.
The event also honored our local hero, Marjorie Fujara, M.D., Dr. Fujara was a fierce advocate for child abuse and violence prevention and a former board member of Be Strong Families. Her legacy, particularly her work in educating pediatric residents about child abuse prevention, continues to inspire our community. The tribute was a touching reminder of her impact and dedication until her untimely passing in 2021.
Our community’s support was evident in the 17 sponsoring organizations that contributed a total of $7,700 in monetary sponsorships, alongside 11 organizations that provided $6,150 in in-kind donations. These contributions played a significant role in making the day a memorable success. The resource fair featured 33 vendors offering valuable information and connecting with the community.
The event was not just about giveaways and resources; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the community. Families enjoyed various activities, from ice skating, face painting, movies on the lawn, and more.
As we look forward to next year’s event on August 9, 2025, we are reminded of the power of community. The Evanston is Family Strong Back to School Family Fun Fest is more than just a day of fun—it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to supporting one another. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success, and we can’t wait to see how we can grow and strengthen our community even more in the coming year.
You can read some recap article about the festival from Evanston Round Table and Evanston Now.