Eugene Family YMCA Hosts 2nd Annual Welcoming Festival
Free festival at the Y on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Eugene, Ore., Aug. 29, 2023 — The Eugene Family YMCA’s Diversity, Inclusion and Global Engagement (DIG) Committee seeks to ensure that all segments of society have access to and feel welcome at the Y. In keeping with the DIG Committee’s vision, the Y is delighted to join Welcoming America, other YMCAs and organizations nationwide to elevate the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of the country.
“The Eugene Family YMCA is committed to creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued,” said Danielle Uhlhorn, DIG Committee Chair. “This festival provides a platform for individuals from different backgrounds to come together, build connections, and celebrate the unique contributions that each person brings to our community.”
All members of the community are warmly invited to attend this enriching and inclusive event intended to promote cross-cultural understanding and community cohesion.
Expect a festive atmosphere with the following highlights:
- Cultural Showcases: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the world. Trio Ritmo y Romance will perform their Latin rhythms, Eugene Bhangra will perform lively, upbeat traditional dance and Ballet Folklorico Colibri will demonstrate how they reconnect children and teen with their roots through traditional Mexican dance.
- Global Food Fair: Indulge your taste buds with food trucks such as El Buen Sabor and Sweet Bay Shaved Ice.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a wide range of engaging activities suitable for all ages, including bounce houses, games, arts and crafts, face painting, and more.
- Community Engagement: Learn from local organizations that are dedicated to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and provide programs and services to children and families including Catholic Community Services, Food For Lane County, the Refugee Resettlement Coalition, CASA of Lane County and the U of O Museum of Natural History, to name a few.
"We are thrilled to host the Welcoming Festival as it embodies our organization's mission of strengthening our diverse community,” said Danielle Ragan, Eugene Y’s Diversity, Equity and Global Engagement Coordinator. "This event not only celebrates our differences but also emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels like they belong. We encourage all members of the community to come together and participate in this joyous occasion."
MEDIA PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY:
- What: Welcoming Festival
- Who: Open to the public
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 9
- Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Cost: Free
About the Y
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. In 2022, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $492,451 in financial assistance. 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 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.
