The Kids Zone area powered by Hands4Hope at the El Dorado Hills Town Center's Fireworks and Freedom Concert has become an annual tradition and part of many local families' cherished celebrations. This year, nearly 400 children attended on July 3. These local families helped us raise $9,000 to benefit the Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference Education Program. We are beyond grateful to everyone who contributed to this event!
Check out our quick summary video for a glimpse into this delightful day.
Planning for this youth led fundraiser began in late May with the selection of four youth committee leaders, who each interviewed for their positions. Adult lead Lynn Fedoryk, alumni intern Simone Caruthers, and Hands4Hope Community Engagement Assistant Kerri Shull selected Tarika Kahlon as the committee's Assistant Project Manager and Concessions Chair, Mishti Shah as the Marketing Chair, Addison Hunt as the Glow Toys Chair, and Chloe Deiss as the Tiny Tots Chair. These youth led a 21 person committee, which consisted of middle school, high school, alumni, and adult participants. The 2023 Kids Zone Committee worked with El Dorado Hills Town Center to plan many aspects of the event, including wristband sales and presale, concession sales, glow toy sales, and bounce houses. All in all, they spent more than 140 hours planning and preparing!
Glow Toys Chair and Oak Ridge High School Addison Hunt stated that she "feel[s] as though [she] gained helpful leadership and teamwork skills being a part of the Kids Zone Committee." This was Addison's first leadership role with Hands4Hope, and she truly took charge by overseeing the ordering, pricing, and sales protocols for glow toys.
On the day of the event, 42 Hands4Hope volunteers worked for a combined total of 246 hours to run bounce houses and booths at the Kids Zone. During the fundraiser, we sold over 150 glow toys and over 180 concessions items! Volunteers and guests ended the night by watching the spectacular firework show that concluded the annual Fireworks & Freedom Concert.
"It was so fun to be a part of so many families' Fourth of July tradition by working this event this year, and seeing how excited the kids were while playing was truly heartwarming," reflected Jayce Kaldunski, a committee member and recent graduate of El Dorado High School.
The 2023 Hands4Hope Kids Zone Committee would like to extend one final thank you to our Star Spangled Sponsors, El Dorado Hills Town Center and Fergerson Financial, and to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. We hope to see you all at the 2024 Kids Zone!
