2019 Jazz Walk Mixer Brings Park Supporters Together

Oct 2019

The Urbana Parks Foundation (UPF) hosted a successful mixer in advance of the 2019 Urbana Park District (UPD) Jazz Walk on September 13, 2019. The event took place at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana.

The event brought together over 75 individuals to network, enjoy refreshments catered by Dish Passionate Cuisine, and listen to music by Rick Murphy. “It’s great to be surrounded by so many amazing people that care about their community,” commented one attendee. View photos from the event here.

At the event, UPF trustees distributed their first ever annual report, which summarized the past decade of the organization’s history, with an emphasis on calendar year 2018. In addition, Board President Fred Delcomyn gave a short presentation on the status of the Foundation’s Campaign For The Next Century. The Campaign for the Next Century targets three specific areas of emphasis which include the following:

  • Broadening the financial base of support for UPD through the creation of the Urbana Parks Endowment. The endowment will generate a steady and reliable stream of income for UPD for years to come.
  • Revitalizing Crystal Lake Park. Critical improvements have already begun but work remains in an $8 million dollar multi-year complete park makeover.
  • Expanding funding for Youth Scholarships, so that all young people can benefit from UPD programs and facilities regardless of family income. Scholarships will help families with financial needs cover fees for summer camps, swim lessons, dance classes, and other enriching activities.

UPF chose these three targeted areas of support as they align with the UPF’s mission to strengthen the local park system and enhance the health and vibrancy of the community.

A fun highlight of the mixer was a spinning wheel game. It included a range of donation amounts which all supported various youth programs and activities. Individuals would spin the wheel and donate whatever amount the wheel landed on. The Foundation has made a coordinated effort this fall to focus on their campaign’s pillar dedicated to Youth Scholarships. UPF realizes how important it is to reduce financial barriers and help youth from all families to participate in programs and services available from the Urbana Park District. Thanks to the exciting spinning wheel game, the Foundation raised over $2,000 at the mixer.