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🎉 New Year’s message from our Founder & Executive Director 🎉 As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible impact we achieved together at Festival of Children Foundation. It was a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of children. September once again marked National Child Awareness Month (NCAM), a designation we’ve led for an incredible 17 consecutive years. NCAM continues to be a powerful platform to amplify the voices and missions of nonprofits nationwide. Through this initiative, we’ve united communities and inspired action, reinforcing our belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive. The 23rd annual Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza was an extraordinary celebration of our mission. Over the years, this event has become a cornerstone for bringing families and organizations together, and 2024 was no exception. It was a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of friendship and community that sustains and enriches our lives. In 2024 we saw the expansion of programs like Kids in Focus and our beloved Executive Training Seminars. Seeing the direct impact of these initiatives fuels our resolve to reach even further in the years to come. As we look to the future, I am thrilled to share that 2025 will bring exciting announcements of new offerings with further national reach. These bold steps will allow us to touch more lives, build more connections, and create even greater opportunities for children. Our journey has always been driven by hope, vision, and the belief that together we can create a brighter future for every child. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for joining us as we take our work to new heights. With gratitude and excitement, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels Founder & Executive Director Festival of Children Foundation
We are “beary” grateful for the generous support we’ve received for our Sharing the Spirit holiday program! We want to give special shout outs to: The Herman& Mary K. Seibel Charitable Foundation Jada Toys @thehappinessprojectoc Office Solutions @whitelyonhq And especially everyone that sponsored a child in need to attend! If you’re interested in sponsoring a child and sharing the holiday spirit with a child in need, there still time to donate at https://festivalofchildren.org/sharing-holiday-spirit-party/.
🎁✨ Spread Holiday Cheer with Sharing the Spirit! ✨🎁 Every $50 you donate sponsors one unhoused child to attend our Sharing the Spirit Holiday Party and receive: 🎄 Toys 👕 Clothing 🧴 Hygiene Kits 📚 School Supplies 💳 Gift Cards Your generosity makes the season brighter for children in need! 💖 Plus, your donation can be dedicated In Memory Of, In Honor Of, or Inspired By someone special. Together, let’s create unforgettable holiday moments! 🎅💝 Donate now and make a difference: https://festivalofchildren.org/sharing-holiday-spirit-party/
Even the Grinch can’t resist joining the fun when it’s for a good cause! 🎅✨ Our founder had a festive moment with the Grinch at last year’s Sharing the Spirit Holiday Party - reminding us that holiday magic happens when we give back. Let’s make this season brighter for kids in need! Sponsor a child to attend the Sharing the Spirt Holiday Party and you’ll give a them a wonderful holiday experience they’ll never forget! For more information, visit https://festivalofchildren.org/sharing-holiday-spirit-party/
🌟 Thank you to everyone who attended our latest Executive Training Seminar, led by Derrick Feldmann and hosted by Festival of Children Foundation! Over 100 nonprofit professionals came together online and in-person for a powerful session dedicated to refining end-of-year fundraising strategies. 🌟 Through this seminar, attendees gained actionable insights on how to craft impactful holiday campaigns, attract new donors, and inspire giving during the busiest fundraising season of the year. These skills and strategies aren’t just about driving donations—they’re about creating lasting support for the incredible causes our participants champion every day. The impact of this training reaches far beyond the seminar itself. By helping nonprofit leaders strengthen their fundraising tactics, we’re empowering them to bring greater resources and opportunities to the children and communities they serve. We can’t wait to see the powerful difference each of these nonprofits will make this holiday season and beyond. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! ✨
🐴✨ What an incredible visit we had at SOUL Harbour Ranch in Barrington, IL! As a beneficiary of The Carousel of Possible Dreams Chicago in 2018, their Possible Dream was to purchase a van to transport their amazing therapy animals—including miniature horses! 🌟 And today, it was heartwarming to see that very van, helping SOUL Harbour bring comfort, healing, and improved well-being to children, seniors, and veterans in hospitals, schools, and more. 💖 We’re beyond proud of the life-changing work they do, spreading joy and hope wherever they go! Thank you for making dreams a reality and touching so many lives. 🌈🐴
✨ What an unforgettable night at The Carousel of Possible Dreams in Chicago! 🎠 Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone that joined us for the evening, we raised over $200,000 for our 5 amazing beneficiaries! 🙌🏼 We were treated to spectacular musical and dance performances by the talented students of @chicagoacademyforthearts 🎶, a surprise performance from the inspirational @kodileerocks 🎤, and all led by our wonderful emcee @stefholtnbc from NBC 5 Chicago. 🎙️ A heartfelt thank you to the Sanfilippo Family for graciously opening their beautiful home and making this magical evening possible.
