Winter Wonderland with Fostering UNITY
Winter Wonderland 2024: A Celebration of Joy and a Healing Connection
On December 14th, 2024, Fostering UNITY and The Gentle Barn came together to host an unforgettable Winter Wonderland event, celebrating the holiday season with youth in foster care and their families. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the inspiring resilience of rescued animals, attendees enjoyed a day filled with games, laughter, and the warmth of community.
This heartwarming event was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped bring hope and happiness to those who need it most. Together, we shared in the true spirit of the holidays—love, gratitude, and connection.
Winter Wonderland 2023: A Joyful Return to In-Person Celebration
Our first in-person Winter Wonderland event since COVID-19 was a resounding success! Despite a windy morning that called for some quick adjustments, the day was filled with joy, connection, and holiday cheer. Families arrived with smiles, ready to celebrate alongside friends—both old and new—supported by the heartwarming efforts of Fostering UNITY.
We were thrilled to welcome an incredible turnout, with 116 adults and 208 children registered, along with a few surprise guests who joined in on the fun! Santa brought magic to the day, ensuring each child received a personalized gift made possible by the generosity of our amazing community.
Winter Wonderland 2022: A Magical Drive-Thru Celebration
Winter Wonderland 2022 brought holiday magic to life with a drive-thru experience that warmed the hearts of everyone involved. A total of 117 cars made their way through our festive setup, helping us celebrate the season and serve 431 children with 608 gifts. Thanks to the generosity of our community, 146 of these children had their Winter Wonderland experience sponsored, creating memories to last a lifetime.
The property sparkled with themed scenes featuring Snoopy, the Grinch, and Frozen, as volunteers spread joy by handing out treats, light necklaces, hot cocoa, and essential resources. Santa and his elves added an extra sprinkle of magic, sliding down the toy shop slide to personally deliver gifts.
With the help of 50 dedicated volunteers, this event was a heartwarming success, proving the power of community and compassion during the holiday season. Thank you to everyone who made Winter Wonderland 2022 an unforgettable celebration of joy, generosity, and love!
Winter Wonderland 2021: Spreading Joy and Creating Treasured Memories
Winter Wonderland 2021 was a heartwarming celebration, bringing much-needed joy and normalcy to youth and families impacted by foster care. Events like this hold profound importance, as they prioritize children who may not always feel seen, giving them holiday memories to cherish for years to come.
Fostering UNITY created a space filled with community support, fun activities, and gifts tailored to each child, sending a powerful message: You matter, and your community stands behind you. It was a beautiful opportunity to come together, share in the joy of the season, and remind these families that they are never alone.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Winter Wonderland 2021 a beacon of love, hope, and connection!