Community Supports YDU at Swarthmore Rotary Fun Fair
The following was contributed by Head Volunteer Wyatt Stevens, who is a sophomore at Strath Haven High School.
On Sunday, May 18th, Chester Upland Youth Soccer and Youth Development United ran tables at the Swarthmore Fun Fair.
At the Chester Upland Youth Soccer table, donors had the opportunity to take a “penalty kick” on a mini soccer net. Kids had a lot of fun trying to best the goalie, and they showed lots of excitement when they scored a goal! They were rewarded with either a pack of soccer cards or a bracelet and an eraser. The soccer cards were an overwhelmingly popular prize, with many kids playing multiple times for more soccer cards! Donors were also encouraged to take a pen and a stick of chapstick, graciously provided by our sponsor Swarthmore Smiles.
At the Youth Development United table, donors played a game where they walked with a balloon between their legs, and had to try and drop it into a small bucket. The wind would sometimes add a fun challenge, but some players were able to take it into account and drop the balloon perfectly into the bucket. They got to keep the balloon, and were rewarded with candy and erasers and bracelets, and were also given a craft to take home!
At both tables, people were encouraged to enter a raffle for a chance to win a signed soccer jersey, along with other amazing items! This raffle is ongoing and you can still enter until May 31, 2025!
The Fun Fair was a huge success, with over $330 raised for these incredible organizations! It was wonderful to see the community engage with and support these organizations, while having a great time playing games and winning prizes!
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Special thanks to Wyatt and our other volunteers: Andre A, Emeric A, Brian B, Nico C, Julia F, Mackenzie G, Amalia K, Henry K, John O and Ethan R, as well as our generous sponsor, Swarthmore Smiles.
This is the fourth time that Chester Upland Youth Soccer hosted an activity at the Swarthmore Fun Fair. As described on its website, “The Fun Fair is an annual event sponsored by the Swarthmore Rotary Club. Charities are invited to set up booths around the Swarthmore Town Center to share their stories with fair-goers. To add to the fun, many charities set up carnival-type games that cost fair-goers a few dollars, with funds raised going directly to the charity. Well over 50 charities are expected to participate this year, with hundreds of fair-goers in attendance.” Click here for media coverage of Fun Fair 2022.