More than 1,000 local families celebrated the fall season while raising more than $40,000 for local children in crisis at Daniel Kids’ inaugural Fall Fest presented by David Weekley Homes on Oct. 15 at Nocatee Town Center Field. Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s programs that aid more than 2,000 abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children every day.
The event featured a chili cook-off for amateur and youth teams in which entrants competed for the title of Best Chili in Northeast Florida. Hansel and Kettle’s Witches Brew won the amateur title; the Culinary and Garden Club from Palencia Elementary School won the youth division and the Spice Girls was the winner of the People’s Choice award.
The fest included chili samples, food trucks and large screens featuring live football games. Kids also had a fun zone where they could play in bounce houses, participate in fall-themed games, enter a costume contest and explore “big toys” like a fire engine and police car.
“We are thrilled that the community came together to support kids in need during our first Fall Fest,” said Jim Clark, CEO of Daniel Kids. “With their participation and the generous support from our corporate sponsors, we can help more local kids and families in crisis.”
David Weekley Homes was the event’s presenting sponsor with Availity, Citi, Red Hat, Regency Centers, Pivot CPAs and Florida Blue also playing large roles in the event’s success.
For more information about Daniel Kids, visit DanielKids.org.
