A sunny Saturday afternoon in Marion brought family and friends together at Ray Fosse Park to celebrate a Day of Hope. The day was dedicated to the emotional, physical and mental support for children in southern Illinois. The Day of Hope is neither a fundraiser nor a toy drive, rather, it’s something in between. The Gateway to Hope Foundation offered a variety of things to local children, all the way from toys to scholarships.
Children of all ages played throughout the park. High schoolers Dylan Robertson and Evan Adams came to the park not knowing the event was taking place, but were welcomed with open arms and plates of food.
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“They’re doing a really good thing; giving out free food and free drinks,” Robinson said. When asked if he would attend again, Robertson said, “Oh yeah, I’d actually come here every year.”
“The event itself is basically for a day of giving, a day of love and a day of celebrating our kids,” Gregory Portee said, who helped orchestrate the Day of Hope.
People were smiling, legs were dancing and food was eaten at this family-oriented event that really captured the meaning of hope. Shanika Boo, a regular attendee and a long-distance family member of host Gregory Portee, summed up the experience by explaining it as “something to do on a Saturday.”
“You know, let your kids play. Win a few gifts. Have some good food,” Boo said.
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