Bowling Green Shines Bright at Annual Christmas Party for Foster Families
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The city of Bowling Green sparkled with joy and generosity as the Family Enrichment Center teamed up with the Bowling Green Young Professionals to host an enchanting Christmas party for local foster families. This heartwarming event brought together children and their caretakers for a night of laughter, skating, and holiday cheer, helping to create memories that will last a lifetime.
A Night to Remember
What could be more festive than a night of ice skating? For many families in attendance, this was a thrilling first-time experience. “We bring out families that have foster children and just kind of let them have a free night of entertainment in the Christmas season to let them kind of celebrate together,” shared Joye Beth Spinks, chair of the Bowling Green Young Professionals. It’s truly a wonderful opportunity for these families to come together and enjoy the holiday spirit.
One family, in particular, expressed just how special this night was for them. “We were pretty excited to do skating for the first time as a family of seven children,” said Laura Sisco, a mom to seven kids. “I brought five tonight, so they’re super pumped to have the opportunity to just do something they don’t normally get to do.” The sheer excitement on the children’s faces was priceless, and it was clear they relished every moment of their fun-filled evening.
The Power of Community
This magnificent event could not have happened without the dedication and hard work of numerous volunteers. The Bowling Green Young Professionals stepped up to ensure that families had the support they needed for a memorable night out. “A lot of our members are very civic-minded, so we always have a good turnout of volunteers. Everybody is really excited to support monetarily, but also give their time to make sure these families have a really good time,” Spinks remarked. Their generous contributions went a long way in covering the event costs, creating an accessible experience that might otherwise be out of reach for these families.
A Helping Hand
According to Katie Dykes, Director of Development for the Family Enrichment Center, this collaboration is all about keeping these experiences accessible. “With a large group, it can get pricey for families to go out and do these activities. It’s just such a crucial part of keeping kids in placement and the overall well-being of the family and the child,” she explained. By providing such enriching experiences, the community helps bolster these families’ spirits and nurture their connections.
Spreading Cheer with Santa
Every Christmas party needs a little sprinkle of magic, and that’s where Santa makes his entrance! After a tough couple of years with the pandemic, families were thrilled to reconnect and celebrate the festivities. “We didn’t do a whole lot during COVID, so it was really nice for us to be able to get back out there this year,” Sisco shared. “We haven’t been out in a couple of years, really. So just having that experience face to face has been important for them, for all of them really.” Her children echoed their excitement enthusiastically, with one son, Micah, eagerly anticipating the chance to grab his presents.
As the event came to a close, families left with more than just a few gifts; they departed with smiles, laughter, and precious memories that highlighted the spirit of the holiday season. The Bowling Green community once again demonstrated its incredible strength, compassion, and commitment to supporting one another. Cheers to more initiatives that make a positive impact in the lives of families – Merry Christmas!
