On Saturday May 19, 2018 at Woodley Park, we hosted our 22nd Annual Annabelle Godwin Play Day (AGPD). AGPD is one of our biggest events we host all year. Thanks to charitable sponsors including Maxine Paul, enthusiastic volunteers and dedicated staff, CCRC was able to support healthy living, early education, and well-being for 5,000 local families.
With every resource and service CCRC offers, we promote literacy and healthy eating. As part of our What A Difference A Book makes initiative, we distributed over 6,000 books. Due to generous donations throughout the year, every child in attendance walked away with at least one free, age appropriate book. Additionally, every family in attendance received a free bag of fresh produce. This year we are proud to announce that over 10,000 pieces of fruits and vegetables were given out.
Many children enjoyed learning through play as over 60 booths and activity stations offered interactive and educational activities. Child care providers coupled with CCRC booths made up over half the booths there. Many booths like these promoted play as the primary means by which children grow and develop in all areas of their lives, regardless of their abilities. Parents learned first hand, that children are better prepared for success in school and later life when provided opportunities for developmentally appropriate, safe and enjoyable play.
Joining the child care booths, we had a many small local business, community partners and early childhood development educators. Small businesses like Beechunt, Dr. Dove Dentistry and NAMI showed great support for local families.
Volunteer groups from UCLA, Granada Hills High School, Knights and Ladies, and more offered much enthusiasm an assistance throughout the event. Without the fervent help and assistance from volunteers and staff AGPD would not be possible.
Major highlights of this event were the enthusiastic Zumbathon and culture infused Copali Copili Aztec performance. Zumba participants and Play Day attendees moved and grooved to 60 minutes of upbeat music. The ceremonial Aztec dance certainly had everyone off their feet. This rhythmic routine was an acknowledgement and dedication to Mexican heritage.
AGPD receives its namesake from one of CCRC’s founding mothers, Annabelle Palkes Godwin. Godwin was a relentless advocate for young children for over 40 years who promoted public policy and legislation on behalf of children, and unfortunately passed in 2007. Her memory is kept alive in programs such as Play Day, which she was instrumental in starting, and through the name of our Annabelle Godwin Library located in our headquarters office in Chatsworth.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event, Laughs4Literacy. A special comedy night held at the JetHawks stadium June 28th, 2018. Click here for more information.
