Family Fun Day Celebration
The St. Francis Manor campus came alive on September 19 as more than 300 Hammond Center tenants, Seeland Park and St. Francis Manor residents, staff members, and their families gathered for the second annual Family Fun Day. This year's carnival-themed celebration brought loved ones of every age together — and many families were thrilled to have four generations in attendance.
Laughter filled the air all afternoon as guests of every age dove into the festivities: classic carnival games, a talented balloon artist, face painting, temporary tattoos, a caricature artist, a splashy dunk tank, a foam machine, inflatables, yard games, and all the carnival favorites — snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, candy and hot dogs.
Left photo: Children of all ages enjoyed playing the many carnival games with Grinnell College students volunteering to assist.
Right photo: The foam machine was a thrilling experience for St. Francis Manor resident Debbie Kline.
Photo left: Seeland Park resident Bonnie Wold’s family joined her for the Family Fun Day festivities, including two sets of 4-generations. L-R: Karla Cornish, Lincoln & Keaton Cornish, Bonnie, Jemma and McKenna Berk, KC Cornish and Scott & Deacon Berk.
By participating in the games, winners earned tickets redeemable for exciting prizes generously donated by Care Initiatives Hospice and given out by Volunteers Sheena Huls and Paula Van Briesen, leaders of the Sheridan 4-H Club (pictured right). “We're so grateful to everyone who came to visit loved ones and turn an ordinary Saturday into a day of lasting memories,” shared Executive Administrator Dion Schrack. “That's what we hoped for when we planned this event – families simply enjoying quality time together.”
Photo left: The balloon artist drew a lively crowd and was a fun addition to the entertainment this year.
Photo right: Hammond Center tenant Mary DePauw and her family take time to enjoy the yummy carnival food.
Fitness Director Callie McCaslen and Activity Directors Tori Funke, Miranda Anderson, Cadie Farver, Ryanne Jansen, and Abby Moyer made the unforgettable day possible, pouring their hearts into every detail. Staff members Craig Probasco, Cindy Strobel, Kory Probasco, Sydney Kenkel and Pam Ashing played key roles in supporting the event. The incredible volunteers from the Sheridan 4-H Club, Grinnell College and local high schools gave generously of their time and were instrumental in making the day such a success.
“Watching residents, tenants, and staff share pure joy with their families is what Family Fun Day is all about,” concluded Dion.
