Pledge your support for next month’s ‘Cardboard Box City’
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley will again present the annual Cardboard Box City at Bogert Park Pavilion, Saturday, October 13th at 4:30pm through Sunday, October 14th at 7am.
Cardboard Box City gives community members a chance to experience a night in the life of a homeless family – outside, using cardboard and sturdy materials to shelter them from the elements.
For one night, kids, families, community groups and more sleep outside and brave the elements in a creatively designed, built, and decorated cardboard structure of their choosing. It’s fun, it’s educational, and best of all, it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Games & Entertainment
Though the primary goal is to bring awareness to the important issue of homelessness in our community, Cardboard Box City is also fun and exciting for people of all ages. The event will include face painting, “crazy hair,” dancing, and plenty of backyard games. There will also be a DJ spinning records and playing tons of great music. NEW this year: there will be a service opportunity for kids and adults. Fleece blanket material will be available so attendees can make blankets for the kids and parents in need.
Pledges
All Cardboard Box City participants are asked to raise $100 in pledges to support the families in the Family Promise program. Most people will set a goal of 10 donations of $10 each. You can find pledge forms online, or stop by the office at 429 E Story to grab a few envelopes. Pledges can brought to the event, or dropped off at the office by Friday, September 21st.
Boxes
The many cardboard box designs are a favorite part of the event. Participants are encouraged to use multiple media types (paint, marker, newspaper, crayons, etc.). Keep in mind, your box only needs to serve one function: to act as your shelter for the night.
Boxes will need to be decorated prior to the event. At Cardboard Box City, your group will have from 4:30–6pm to set up your box, and then it’s parade time! This is when you’ll show off your box’s features and name your “house” slogan. After the Parade of Boxes, everyone will get a chance to vote for their favorite. Best designs win prizes!
Visit www.familypromisegv.org/cardboard-box-city for registration, pledge form, prize categories and further event information.
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley is an independent 501(c)3 organization dedicated to serving homeless children and their families. Family Promise coordinates an Interfaith Hospitality Network made up of faith communities throughout the Gallatin Valley. •
