Sometimes it’s all fun and games. When it’s a fundraiser for a great cause, that is.

Family Fun Festival 2023 was held on Sept. 9 at Penn Forest Recreational Park in Jim Thorpe to benefit Family Promise of Carbon County. The organization has provided “shelter, food and family services for homeless children and their families in and around Carbon County since 2011. The goal is for families to stay safely together while being provided meals and shelter. Families are educated, encouraged and empowered to become self-sufficient by support from the faith community and other local community resources,” according to the organization. There are more than 200 branches of Family Promise in the country.

Events and fundraising chairwoman Denise Miller said, “This event brings awareness to homeless families. We recently purchased a church that houses 20 people and it is in need of renovations.”

Events included a walk or run around the 9 mile track with participants able to choose how many times they wanted to go around the track. Runners and walkers were able to create a personal fundraising page to have family and friends as sponsors. Melody Mertz, of Albrightsville, who was walking with her friend Kathy Ahner, of Packerton, said, “I read about this in the paper and wanted to help underprivileged families.”

Activities for the kids included a bouncy house, sack races and other games with lots of prizes available. There was a three-point basketball tournament, cornhole and a pickleball court set up in the parking lot.

Cathy Lamm, the executive director since February, said, “In today’s economy, more and more families and children are displaced. We help reset, rebuild and get them back on their feet. We connect families with other services to maintain sustainable housing.”

The organization hopes to expand and open a warming center. The average stay at the current church in Nesquehoning is 90 to 120 days, but often stays go beyond this due to lack of affordable housing. Currently, there are 30 families on the waiting list.

A basket raffle with prizes donated by local businesses included car care kits, waffle maker and a gift certificate to The Country House.

Breanna Eckley had her Breeze massage stand available. She gave at least half of the proceeds back to the organization.

Board member Amanda Massay and her 14-year-old daughter Aleena Manoyrine manned the concession stand, which included a breakfast and lunch menu. People were talking about how delicious the homemade chili was.

Massay said, “Serving the community is in my heart. It’s one of my happy places. I’m grateful to give back to people in need.”

To donate to Family Promise, call 610-379-4757. In addition to cash donations, the organization accepts gift cards to supermarkets and additional items as needed.