Our Highlights

enCouraging Fall Festivities

As summer comes to a close and children prepare to head back to school, the first feeling of crisp air calls for the beginning of the fall season. But the start of fall doesn’t mean the end of fun! Whether it be a trip to a Funtopia near me, or a traditional time out in the fields, kids and parents alike look forward to a season filled with fall festivities, and there has been no shortage of just that at enCourage Kids!

Fall FestivitiesOur Programs staff and volunteers celebrated fall with a wide variety of autumn activities this year. In Western New York, several enCourage kids and their families enjoyed a day at The Great Pumpkin Farm, the largest pumpkin patch in the country! From the ferris wheel and tilt o’whirl to pony rides, a corn maze, and pumpkin picking, our families had a blast spending the day at the pumpkin farm.

In New Jersey, 140 kids and family members took their time picking the perfect pumpkin at Alstede Farms, followed by a hayride and pizza lunch. Many enCourage kids had the chance to show off their Halloween costumes, including a princess, a witch, some monsters, a few furry friends, and many more.

Fall Festivities
“enCourage Kids is always there for us. They keep a smile on my son’s face and the memories will always be there for us to talk about,” shared enCourage mom Milinda. “Our house is full of fun times because enCourage Kids is making a difference in our lives.”

Our New York City families celebrated Halloween at our Boo at the Bronx Zoo event, where kids and families enjoyed a fun day at the zoo filled with Halloween themed crafts and games. Entertainment was provided by Mike Butler, who had kids singing and dancing to their favorite songs all afternoon. Through The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) Week of Giving initiative, volunteers assisted with event check in and set up, and enjoyed meeting and spending time with our families.

Fall Festivities
In the Week of Giving spirit, our partners at Samsung volunteered at an enCourage Kids Halloween Party at Hackensack University Medical Center as part of their semi-annual Day of Service. Having the chance to get out of their hospital rooms for a few hours, children gathered to make Halloween crafts while listening to some spooky Halloween tunes. Back at the Samsung office, employees put together Halloween treat bags for children at surrounding New Jersey hospitals, which will help make their Halloween a little sweeter.

Fall Festivities
Up in Albany, our enCourage kids roamed the halls of the University of Albany, trick-or-treating on dorm room doors. Students dressed in costume happily handed out treats, while other students and staff provided crafts, a make your own cupcake station, and a piñata for our kids to enjoy! “Between the walking and weather, trick-or-treating outside on Halloween isn’t an option for us, but this gives us a chance to have a fun, normal experience,” one Albany mom shared.

University of Albany has been such an incredible partner of enCourage Kids for the last several years. In addition to hosting our annual Halloween Party in the Albany region, UAlbany is the home of our annual Super Hero Sprint 5K run/walk. This year, the event raised almost $20,000 for our programs. Over 200 guests enjoyed music, face painting, photo booths, and super hero challenges and games all provided by UAlbany students in addition to the race.

Fall Festivities
“The event is the most wonderful way to show students the meaning behind service and giving,” explained Ema Buco, Assistant Director of the Department of Residential Life. “They give and witness the impact in one breath. I could not be more proud of the partnership that I’ve created between SUNY, University at Albany and enCourage Kids Foundation – my heart is full.”

Thank you to all involved in making this fall an extra special season for the children and families we serve!

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