The El Dorado Hills Town Center's Fireworks & Freedom Concert has become known throughout the region for its entertaining festivities on the day before Independence Day, and the Hands4Hope Kids Zone Area has become a central feature for families in attendance. Despite a record-breaking heat wave, more than 150 children bounced and danced their way through Kids Zone Area, who together with event sponsors, raised $7,000 to benefit the Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference Education Program. We are so appreciative of the families who came to enjoy this fabulous event, and to all the sponsors and supporters for making it possible.
Kids Zone is put together by a youth-led committee under the guidance of Hands4Hope’s Educational Special Events Coordinator Sarah McCormick. Tarika Kahlon, who served as last summer's Assistant Project Manager when she was a rising Senior, came back this summer to guide the Kids Zone Committee as an Alumni Intern. Youth leaders included Tania Thomas as Concessions Chair, Trisha George as the Marketing Chair, Lincoln Garel and Carson Cusano as Glow Toys Co-Chairs, and Prisha Jalan as the Tiny Tots Chair. These youth led a small but mighty 10 member committee of middle and high school participants. Committee participants planned all aspects of the event, including wristband sales, concession sales, glow toy sales, and bounce houses; and coordinated with the event host El Dorado Hills Town Center, as well as the various vendors. All in all, they logged more than 140 hours planning and preparing!
"I handled the permit information, sanitation protocols, and ordering items needed for concessions," said Tania Thomas, Concessions Chair. "I gained a lot of experience with planning and completing tasks in an efficient matter. The event was a little overwhelming because of the insane heat, but we persevered with our misters and keeping everyone well-hydrated. Overall, I would say that Kids Zone has impacted the way I approach a project in my leadership, organization, and planning. It was a fantastic experience!"
On the day of the event, 40 Hands4Hope volunteers worked for a combined total of 240 hours to run bounce houses and booths at the Kids Zone. Some youth ensured that each of the 11 bounce houses had appropriate safety monitoring, some worked the "Tiny Tots" area for the youngest guests, and others worked to sell 100 glow toys and 58 concessions items. As the night winded down and darkness fell, the pinnacle of the event began with a spectacular fireworks display, this year from three different places around Town Center. Volunteers and guests enjoyed our prime viewing area.
The 2024 Hands4Hope Kids Zone Committee would like to extend one final thank you to our Star Spangled Sponsors: El Dorado Hills Town Center, McDonalds, Bounce House Rentals of Folsom, and Folsom Times; and a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.
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