Over 200 Ruth Project family members, volunteers, and friends gathered at The Farm on Saturday, April 13 for our first Foster FUNdraiser Walk.  It was a picture-perfect Family Fun Day for the Walkers – mostly kids – to circle the Activity Path four times for the one-mile Walk.  A confetti shower saw the Walkers off at the Starting Line. 

There was so much for everyone to see and do!  Our beloved volunteers creatively entertained the kids all along the Path to keep them going.  They had bubble-blowing, obstacle course challenges, dancing, and cheering.  A gargantuan combine and John Deere tractor for kids to touch and investigate were parked on The Farm next to carnival games for kids of all ages to enjoy. 

One young Walker’s favorite thing of the day was “running through the bubbles!” and another loved “seeing all the animals and chickens running around!” Parents also shared that the next day, the FUN Day was all their kids could talk about! 

As a result of this incredibly FUN Day, our Walkers and Sponsors raised over $18,000! We are so grateful for all who participated in some way, both near and far. We’re already planning our 2025 FUN Walk! 

In March, The Ruth Project hosted another Family Fun Day – this one off-site and at the Illinois Baseball Academy in Northbrook. We are incredibly grateful to Trei Frahler for his generosity and allowing us to enjoy the huge space to achieve our own best performances in pitching, running, jumping, kickball, and whiffle ball. Bouncy houses were also available for our littlest athletes!   

60 Ruth Project family members participated, and on their way out received their own baseball-framed family photo (taken on the way in!) and individualized photo baseball cards for each child.  So much running, jumping, throwing, and kicking created big appetites for a quintessential lunch of hot dogs, chips, veggies, and of course, Cracker Jacks!  It was a memorable day for our families as well as our volunteers who cheered them on.  We can’t wait until next year!