To the editor:

The 13th annual Children’s Day was a wonderful success!

The wind blew away the over-eager clouds and the bees, to open up a day where more than 900 children and caregivers came to play. Children bounced, flew down slides, rode ponies, played games, met a clown, ate lunch, and got their cheeks painted.

Seventy-five giving community members (from 30 local organizations and including high school youth) spent the sunny September Saturday providing activities, serving food, entertaining, working the inflatables, and connecting with parents. Rounding out the all-star team of champions for children, the South Whidbey Kiwanis served 800 lunches (for free!); South Whidbey Parks & Recreation graciously opened their doors; Sno-Isle libraries created beautiful promotional materials; Island County Public Health shared invaluable staff and support; the list goes on.

Even during these difficult financial times, we have many generous partners. Children’s Day was well supported by organizations such as United Way of Island County, South Whidbey Children’s Center, and by foundations such as Thrive-By-Five and Foundation for Early Learning, and local businesses like The Goose and Walmart. Generous individuals gave through direct donations, in-kind contributions, and (all-too precious) time.

Thank you all for helping to make the day one that was what I heard as “super-special!” and “the event we wait for every year.”

We are so fortunate to live in a community that cares about children and families and where families care about the importance of play.

For more information about the annual Children’s Day event, please contact Bess Windecker-Nelson at besswn@whidbey.com.

Bess Windecker-Nelson

Partners for Young Children