Evanston Is Family Strong! Family Fun Fest
Be Strong Families’ first ever Family Fun Fest: Evanston is Family Strong! held on April 30, 2023 at the Robert Crown Community Center in Evanston, IL was a huge success with estimated more than 700 people attending, 33 community-based organizations participated in the resource fair (with mad swag for participants!), 18 sponsoring organizations and 5 local businesses contributed as well. There were over 30 volunteers coming from local communities, from organizations like COFI, and from friends and families.
After the Storybook Corner (sponsored by Bernie’s Book Bank and Evanston Community Bank and Trust), most of the books donated were given out to participating children and families. Those included 160 Spanish books, 340 English books, 400 sticker books, 30 floor puzzles, and 60 play tents.
Other resources donated to the event were greatly appreciated by the community as well: 100 boxes of crayons (donated by BSF board member Dana Vassos) were also given out to participants. Over 100 Protective Factors Bingo Cards were submitted with the prize of Living the Protective Factors magnets. Over 300 Narcan vials were given out.
Photo by Eva Epley
The event also honored our local hero Marjorie Fujara, M.D. with a video tribute room. Dr. Fujara was a fierce advocate for child abuse and violence prevention. She created a program to teach pediatric residents about child abuse prevention. She was a former board member of Be Strong Families and the architect of a Cook County Health program. She worked tirelessly on until her premature death at age 57 from breast cancer on October 19, 2021.
The event was cohosted with the City of Evanston Dept of Parks and Recreation, kicking off their Safe Summer initiative. Much gratitude for the incredible space, security, great food (!), free ice skating, and DJs. Truly it was an exemplary partnership. Mayor Biss, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, City Council Member Juan Geracaris and Police Chief Schenita Stewart all read stories to children. Mayor Biss read the City Council’s Proclamation honoring Marjorie Fujara by making April 30, 2023 Evanston is Family Strong! day. Major thanks to Audrey Thompson for her vision and collaboration.
Be Strong Families intends to make this Evanston is Family Strong! Family Fun Fest an annual event – and to expand to other locations as well. Check out this article from the local newspaper. If you are interested in bringing a Family Fun Fest to your locale with Be Strong Families collaboration, email Sarita Sashington.