OMAHA, Neb. (October 20, 2015) – On Saturday, October 24, for the seventh year, a great pumpkin tree will “light up” the Village Pointe Center Court! The fun-filled day of activities raises awareness of the Nebraska children in foster care and those awaiting adoption. The event is organized by members of the Forever Families Guild, which provide volunteer support to Children Services at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.
The display was built on October 1st by volunteers from Kiewit who constructed the framework for the 17-foot tree. Guild volunteers placed 1000 pumpkins donated from Lanoha Nurseries on its “branches.” Each pumpkin represents a Nebraska child needing a permanent family. Sadly, with the increase in the number of children in need of families – this massive structure cannot hold a pumpkin for each child.
According to Cheryl Murray, development officer and guild liaison for LFS, there are 1,362 children in out-of-home care in Nebraska. “They include children who are waiting for a family to adopt them,” she said. “This event raises awareness that we need more foster and adoptive families.”
The event is free and open to the public. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. As of Tuesday, over 7,200 people have signed up to attend the event through Village Pointe’s Facebook page.
Event Schedule
Saturday, October 24 – A full day of fun and a chance to learn about the desperate need for foster and adoptive families – especially those who can provide a teenager with a loving home. Throughout the day, Darren Christensen, Nebraska’s record holder for largest pumpkin, will carve a 250-lb and 400-lb pumpkin for all to view.
6 a.m. Volunteers will begin scooping and drilling pumpkins.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free Family Festival and Pumpkin Carving – Superheroes, comedy magic show Pumpkin pie-eating contest, music and entertainment.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Trick or Treating and children’s activities, courtesy of the Millard South DECA Club.
7 p.m. Shining the Light Celebration! This part of the program begins with a brief overview of foster care and adoption in Nebraska followed by music, lighting the tree and a flash mob performance!
The tree, a favorite photo backdrop for family photos and even October weddings, will be up through October 31st.
You can follow Omaha’s Great Pumpkin on Facebook and on Twitter, @ogr8pumpkin and #ogp2015.
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