EUGENE FAMILY YMCA HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL WELCOMING FESTIVAL, INVITES ALL TO JOIN THE CELEBRATION
Welcoming Festival to take place at the Y on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 12 to 3 p.m.
Eugene, Ore., Sept. 10, 2024 – The Eugene Family YMCA proudly invites the entire community to its 3rd Annual Welcoming Festival on Sunday, September 22, from 12 to 3 p.m. This event celebrates diversity, inclusion, and unity, bringing together individuals from all walks of life, including immigrants, refugees, and long-time residents.
"Our goal at the Y is to be a place where everyone feels like they belong," said Brian Steffen, CEO of the Eugene Family YMCA. "We are committed to ensuring that those new to Eugene feel embraced, supported and welcomed as full members of our community."
The Welcoming Festival is part of the Y’s broader participation in Welcoming Week (September 13 to 22), a national movement led by Welcoming America. During this week, organizations across the country highlight the contributions of immigrants and foster community connections. The event serves as a platform for neighbors to meet, share experiences and celebrate what makes our community strong.
"Eugene thrives when all of its residents—no matter where they’re from—feel welcomed and valued," said Cass Averill, coordinator of the Welcoming Festival. "Through the Welcoming Festival, we’re showing that cities and towns across America are working to build more inclusive, supportive communities. It’s a celebration of shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and an opportunity to make Eugene a more welcoming place for everyone."
The Welcoming Festival promotes cross-cultural understanding and community cohesion by bringing together immigrants and U.S. born-residents in a spirit of unity. The Welcoming Festival will take place at the Y and feature food from local food carts, including El Buen Sabor, SweetBay Shave Ice, Stretched Noodles and Franz Bread Grilled Cheese Truck, cultural performances, family-friendly activities and more. It also features local community-based organizations, including CASA of Lane County, City of Eugene, Family Relief Nursery, Skipping Stones Magazine, Our Community Birth Center, U of O Museum of Natural History, Nurturely, Grand Rising Unlimited, Asian American Council of Oregon, Dev NW, ODHS, Lane County Older Adult Behavioral Health initiative, KRVM, Refugee & Immigrant Services Program, Catholic Community Services of Lane County and Hunter Communications, who will share information about their programs and services at the event.
In addition to these community partner booths, the Y will host a voter registration booth at the festival. Nonprofits like the Y reach people who are typically underrepresented in the political process—young people, lower-income individuals, and ethnic and racial minorities—and who historically participate at lower rates. At the Y, we believe voting isn't just a civic duty, it's also a key part of strengthening community. As a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, we are committed to helping individuals and communities across the nation prepare for Election Day (November 5, 2024).
Please join us at the festival!
MEDIA PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY
- What: Welcoming Festival
- Who: Open to the public
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 22
- Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
- Location: 600 E. 24th Ave., Eugene, OR 97405
- Cost: Free
- Note: Expect a festive atmosphere with music and dance performances, family-friendly games and activities, local food trucks, and 10+ local multicultural organizations.
Media Contact
Beth Casper
VP of Community Engagement
Eugene Family YMCA
541.686.9622 ext. 1403
503.302.8776 (cell)
beth@eugeneymca.org
About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages more than 18,000 people regardless of age, gender, income or background—to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.
About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities with the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.
