MIAMI – The Children’s Trust 2009 Family Expo, sponsored by Target, will host its third annual, FREE, all-day festival to provide parents with direct access to educational, health and social services in a fun and festive atmosphere, at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center, 10901 Coral Way, on Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Already the largest free event of its kind in our community, with record crowds of more than 25,000 in prior years, The Children’s Trust is expanding to accommodate the growing attendance. For the first time, The Children’s Trust Family Expo will take place in both on-site exhibit halls, featuring workshops and more than 200 exhibitors showcasing information about summer and after-school programs, injury prevention, vaccinations, programs for children with special needs, Pre-K registration, KidCare and much, much more.
Each hall will have stages packed with entertainment; face painting; balloon sculpture; magicians; and character greeting for children to meet Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora, Diego and PBS Kids’ Clifford the Big Red Dog, Arthur, Alpha Pit and others. A special reading corner will feature storytelling and free books to take home. Target is providing an arts & craft area and free water at its Hydration Station. Mobile units, bounce houses and rock climbing walls will remain outside. The Children’s Trust will give away free gifts to the first 3,000 children. Admission, parking, all activities and entertainment are free. Food will be sold by vendors of the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Center.
“In these difficult economic times with so many families in need, an event like this becomes even more important to connect families to valuable services and especially in a fun and entertaining atmosphere that provides families with an opportunity to share quality time together at little or no cost to them,” said Modesto E. Abety, President and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “At a time when most corporate sponsorship is diminishing, we are fortunate to have significant support from Target to make the expansion of this event possible.”
The sponsorship grant is part of an ongoing effort by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.
“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with The Children’s Trust as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”
For more information about The Children’s Trust Family Expo, call 211 The Children’s Trust Helpline or visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.
