HopePHL's 1st Spring Program Fair Shines Hope, Fun and Information on the Community

The atmosphere was breezy, warm and promising as program teams set up their tables with newly branded materials, giveaways, candy, and activities for HopePHL's first Spring program fair. By four o'clock, team leaders were ready for guests to check in at registration, grab their "Program Bingo" and snacks and come learn about their programs. Local residents, children, politicians, school district representatives and more stopped by to meet the teams of the newly merged organization and were met with smiles and for some, on the spot enrollments. Some danced to the music wafting through the air and munched on strawberries and pretzels, while others had in-depth discussions about rental assistance, the upcoming Teen Conference and needed resources.
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Some unique highlights were the tiny toys on display from the Maynes Family Digital Learning Lab's 3D printing machine, the custom "monopoly-style" Housing game and the sidewalk chalk game hosted by Everyday Learning Play Spaces. Everyone took a brief pause from the fair to gather at the steps of Rowan House under the newly installed "HopePHL" signage to hear a few words from Board Chair, Damien Ghee who reflected on the future and positive outlook for the organization. Then, cameras came out as Peter Slavin from Ice Sculpture Philadelphia carefully etched intricate carvings into the beautiful ice sculpture dedicated to the day.
 
After a few children reveled in repeated trips to the snack station, the day culminated with raffles and prizes to a few who visited program tables and got bingo! HopePHL leaders thanked everyone for their participation, cleanup began and the work of sharing with the community concluded as the sun set. Thank you to all who came and shared this special moment with HopePHL, especially supporting partners from ​Comcast, the School District of Philadelphia, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, TD Bank, United Health Care, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, Drexel University and TruMark Financial.