On November 22nd the San Fernando Valley Coalition on Gangs hosted Children’s Day – a Salute to Kids, at Woodley Park in Van Nuys.
While celebrating children, the event also served to make children and their parents aware of various programs that can keep children out of gangs.
The event – which surpassed everyone’s expectations, with nearly 50,000 people in attendance – began with a parade of 1,000 children and three high school bands, in addition to the carnival rides, petting zoo and food vendors.
A resource fair of 60 organizations offered recreational and educational activities for kids. Other features were Radio Disney, the David Beckham Soccer Academy, the Lakers, the Avengers and a space museum. Teen idol Aaron Carter appeared on the main stage while pre-school idol Elmo gave hugs and posed for pictures with more than 3,000 tots and their parents.
Proceeds from the event will be used to fund gang prevention and intervention activities.
A special thanks to Community Resource Specialist Sandy Kievman for her work on the organizing committee for the event and contributing to its success!
