From Our RHK Executive Director: Summer Highlights

This month, I would like to get you up to speed on what’s been happening at RHK and what is still to come. Make sure your calendar is handy so you can save some important dates!

First, in June, we had a great Open House where people could come through our building and see firsthand how an evening program is run. People were able to speak with volunteers who are with the kids each week, watch videos of the kids participating in the stations, ask questions, and enjoy some great food from Raising Cane's.

We also just had our promotion nights. This night is an exciting night when our kids all move up a grade. Those who were fifth graders are becoming teenagers. They no longer come on Mondays and Wednesdays; now they begin their journey as RHK Teens! As I watch this progression, I cannot lie; I have mixed feelings. My heart overflows with joy and sadness. The joy is when the memories fast-forward through my mind, and the sadness comes when I think about just how fast the years have gone. I had the same feelings I had when my own children moved from grade school to middle school to high school.

Summer is filled with plenty of exciting opportunities for the kids, such as Medieval Times, roller skating, Pottery Lounge, swimming, Klehm Arboretum, Lockwood Park, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and ice skating. Some of these were brand-new experiences. These are field trips we can offer due to the generosity of organizations that provide us with grants to bring new experiences for the kids. We would not be able to do trips like these without them.

Community support is a very important part of RHK. As I wrote in our last newsletter, we are working to build life skills into our programming. Rockford Community Bank is coming alongside us and teaching Financial Literacy to our teens this month. Teaching about basic finances is just the beginning of helping with their financial security for the future.

This month, on July 10th and 11th, the Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days are happening! This is where your calendar comes in. You can get your brats at Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Loves Park or the parking lot at CherryVale Mall. Our staff is volunteering to help on July 10 from 9:30-1:30 PM at the Farm & Fleet location. Stop in. Grab some great food and say hello. We love being able to give back to organizations who are such amazing supporters of RHK.

We continue to have our Big Eats Tour fundraisers at local restaurants. This is such an easy way to help support RHK. Our July Big Eats Tour is at Tropical Smoothie in Rockford on July 16th between 5–8 pm. You can dine in or take out. Check out our website (rockhousekids.org) for our monthly stops.

RHK is hosting our third annual Back to School Health Fair on August 7, 3-6 PM. We are so excited to continue partnering with BCBS of Illinois, Crusader Clinic, and Forest City Church again this year. Once again, the community can come and get their kids school physicals, immunizations, backpacks, supplies, and talk with local community organizations. The first year we had a little over 100 people come through, and last year we had over 550 attend. We can’t wait to see what this year will bring. If you are interested in volunteering, let me know.

Lastly, MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Thursday, September 17th, 5:30 pm. Join us for our annual RHK Real event at the Tebala Event Center. Help us celebrate our 27th year! Seats are limited! Check out our website for more info or give Michael a call at 815-962-5067 x111. He can help you with tickets or becoming a sponsor!

We can’t do what we do without you!

Blessings,

Dee Lacny, Executive Director, Rock House Kids