The 2,500-square-foot arena floor at Philips Arena was turned into Halloween festival last Wednesday for more than 300 children from Children’s Restoration Network and HOPE Atlanta, two organizations in Metro Atlanta who are committed to providing support and resources for homeless families.
“We really thought of the kids for an event like this because we realized some kids may not have a safe place to trick-or-treat on Halloween,” said Bob Williams, president of the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena.
At the first-ever Atlanta Hawks Hoopla, the children got to take part in 13 different stations that included Halloween-themed activities such as pumpkin patch decorating, a dance clinic, creating masks, decorating Halloween cupcakes, face painting and relay races/skills challenges.
Ben Minor, Project One on One Coordinator with Roswell-based Children’s Restoration Network, said, “The event was a great evening for our kids to be just kids. When you have the community getting involved to give these kids a memorable moment, it really makes a difference in their spirit.”
Along with the activities, Atlanta Hawks’ coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and mascots were on hand to make this a memorable event for the children. “For many of our kids, this was a day of a lifetime,” added Christine Carolan, program manager of HOPE Atlanta. “Harry, Skyhawk and Waldo were definitely very popular and our future cheerleaders were showing off their new dance moves to their parents when they got home!”
Children’s Restoration Network’s mission is to offer hope and support, enabling children and their mothers to break the cycle of homelessness through programs and special events addressing academic, emotional and physical needs. HOPE Atlanta, founded in 1900, provides emergency shelter, food, transportation, and counseling to more than 15,000 people annually.
“The Atlanta Hawks rely on the community to support us, so it’s only appropriate for us to support it,” added Williams. “There is nothing more fun than seeing a child enjoying life and with the Hoopla, we really look forward to creating long lasting memories for families and letting the kids just have lots of Halloween fun.”
In Other News: On Sept. 29, more than 150 runners who took part in the Walk for Domestic Violence 5K held at the City Hall in Peachtree City. The annual event raised more than $15,000 benefiting the Promise Place Domestic Violence Program which serves Fayette, Pike, Upson and Spalding counties.
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