聽 聽 聽The Arcola Daycare hosted its fifth annual Children's Carnival Saturday, April 25 at Prairie Place Hall.
聽聽聽聽 鈥淥ut of all the fundraisers we do-for example, our Trip of the Month draws and our Little Black Dress Event-this is obviously our most kid-centred,鈥� says daycare director Whitney Rutten. 鈥淭his is our fifth year for the carnival, and it's one we really look forward to, because it's all about the kids. We're raising money for the daycare, and the kids are directly involved.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽 Children of all ages enjoyed the circus-themed event, which featured three bouncers, carnival games, face-painting, temporary tattoos, a canteen, a raffle, and even a tiny dance floor.
聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淭he kids also contributed to the carnival,鈥� adds Rutten. 鈥淭hey created paintings for our silent auction, and their parents bid on those. It was a fun way for them to make their contribution, as little local artists.鈥�
聽聽聽聽 鈥淭he Children's Carnival is a nice little break for the start of spring, and it's a nice day out for families.鈥�
聽聽聽聽 Rutten says that the event is strictly admission by donation, which is made possible by the generosity of the fundraiser's sponsors.
聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淲e want to make it easy for all children to attend,鈥� she adds. 鈥淎nd that is largely thanks to our sponsors who come through for the carnival year after year, with their donations. We really want to thank them for their support.鈥�
聽聽聽聽 鈥� We're a non-profit organization, and the funds raised this year will help support the day-to-day operation of the daycare,鈥� adds Rutten. 鈥淲e're always looking for ways to improve.鈥�
聽聽聽聽 According to Rutten, over $10,000 was raised for the daycare at last year's carnival. 鈥淟ast year was also our busiest, with about 125 kids and their families attending. This year looks great, too, especially because the weather's colder and cloudier today.鈥�
聽聽聽聽 鈥淭his one's special to us all, because it's for the kids and it's all about the kids and their families.鈥�
