March 8, 2017 – Des Moines, IA. The Iowa State Fairgrounds were bustling last weekend as Children & Families of Iowa (CFI) held the annual Kidsfest fundraising event. Kidsfest, presented by Veridian Credit Union, is the largest annual children’s festival in the state, with thousands of attendees each year. Throughout the three day festival, Kidsfest raised $126,000 for the programs of Children & Families of Iowa helping at-risk individuals and their families.
Held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Varied Industries Building, Kidsfest offered attendees many child-friendly activities and attractions, including stage shows on multiple stages, inflatables, rides, crafts, games – even a live petting zoo. Three private VIP parties were held featuring princesses on Friday, the DBS Turtles on Saturday and superheroes on Sunday.
“Kidsfest had another successful and exciting year,” said Amy Stapp-Arpy, CFI’s Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Development and Communications. “This is largely due to our dedicated sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers; we are grateful that we are able to bring to our community this annual family-friendly event.”
Every year, corporate and community sponsors generously support the weekend festival, including the event’s dedicated presenting sponsor, Veridian Credit Union. Other major sponsors include Hy-Vee, CW Iowa, ABC Channel 5, CW Iowa, Wells Fargo, Amerigroup Iowa, Access Systems, Des Moines Register, iHeart Radio, LRI Laser Resources, Iowa School of Beauty, EFCO, Mercy Children’s Hospital & Clinics, Scheels and United Healthcare.
“Veridian was founded on the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” said Heather Plum, Public Relations Strategist for Veridian. “As an event of kids helping kids, Kidsfest benefits programs that help put a bright future within reach for Iowa’s at-risk children and families. We couldn’t be more proud to be Kidsfest’s presenting sponsor again this year.”
“The stage shows were especially engaging this year,” said Stapp-Arpy. “It was evident that attendees – both children and parents – enjoyed their time at Kidsfest. CFI and our many sponsors certainly consider that a success.”
Revenue generated at Kidsfest support programs provided by CFI that encourage children and families across the state to work toward better futures. Programs include mental health and substance abuse, teen programs, early childhood development, domestic violence prevention and intervention, and family support.
Next year’s Kidsfest is scheduled for March 2-4, 2018, at the Varied Industries Building. Visit www.cfiowa.org or like Children & Families of Iowa’s Kidsfest, presented by Veridian Credit Union on Facebook, for more information.
About Children & Families of Iowa
Children & Families of Iowa (CFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families throughout Iowa. Headquartered in Des Moines with offices in Ankeny, Fort Dodge, Osceola and Ottumwa, CFI provides services, such as: domestic violence prevention and intervention, teen programs, family support, early childhood development, mental health and substance abuse. The organization’s mission is to restore hope, build futures and change lives. Visit www.cfiowa.org for more information.
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