OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 28, 2016) – For the eighth year a great pumpkin tree will “rise” over the Village Pointe Center Court! This month-long community event raises awareness for the children and teenagers in Nebraska’s foster care system, hundreds of whom are eligible and waiting to be adopted. The event is organized by the Forever Families Guild, which provides volunteer support to children programs at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.
On the morning of September 29th volunteers from Kiewit will build the framework for the 17-foot tree. Guild volunteers will then place 1,000 pumpkins donated from Lanoha Nurseries on its “branches.” Each pumpkin represents a Nebraska child needing a permanent family. Sadly, with the increasing number of children in need of families – this massive structure cannot hold a pumpkin for each child.
“There are 3,394 children in out-of-home care in Nebraska,” according to Erin Bader, director of permanency and well-being programs for LFS. “Three hundred and fifty-six are waiting for an adoptive family.”
The event is free and open to the public. Each year thousands attend the event and learn more about the growing need for foster and adoptive parents. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged.
Event Schedule
Saturday, October 22 – 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 one of his largest pumpkins for all to view.
6 a.m. Volunteers 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.
7-8 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.
For more information about this event, contact Cheryl Murray at (402) 661-3138 or cmurray@lfsneb.org.
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Press Kit
Website event page: https://www.lfsneb.org/events/omahas-great-pumpkin/
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/221447941586154/
Video and photos from the 2015 event: https://www.lfsneb.org/omahas-great-pumpkin-2015/
Social media hashtag: #OmahasGreatPumpkin
