March 18,2007 — Friends of the late Ezekiel "Buzz" Thomas know how to show kids a good time: the recently formed Good Fellaz of Sugar Hill held its first Good Sunday Family Fun Day, attracting more than 200 children.
Excitement filled the air Sunday afternoon and so did the music of DJ Crew, who played the latest music. Three moon walks kept the little ones hopping, while about 24 people played kickball. Relay races and a tug of war kept parents and kids interacting in a fun and exciting way.
A clown kept busy tying balloons and painting faces, and children could enjoy an arts and crafts table. A raffle generated a lot of excitement from the children as they gleefully ran to pick up prizes.
The event was held at the St. Croix campus of the University of the Virgin Islands on a large open field with space for the children to run and play in a safe environment. The parental-consent forms for the moon walks included the names of 200 youngsters, but that didn't include children too small and too large for the bounce houses.
"It is outstanding to see the parents interacting with the kids in such a positive way," said Andrea Carol King, one of the event's organizers. She works with the Village Parent Information Resource Center in Richmond. Its booth had information for parents about the center and all the help that its staff offers to teachers, parents and students.
"We are glad we had such a good turnout, considering all the other events going on at the same time," said Summer Ward, working in the Good Fellaz booth selling snacks and drinks. Profits will go to the Ezekiel "Buzz" Thomas scholarship fund for Central High Seniors.
"It was a beautiful, fun day that was great for families," said Crystal Rawlins, who brought her son, Marquez. "They need to do it more often."
"I like the music, and it brought my family together," said Seanise Jeffers, 11, who came with her cousin, mother and brother.
Added Wilda Emmanuel, "I brought my daughter to make her happy." She expressed pride in having a son volunteering at the event, too. "It was nice to have someplace to take kids," Emmanuel said.
All generations turned out for Family Fun Day. "It is good for the kids in a very positive way," said Forest Thomas, who brought four of his eight grandchildren. "It helps the kids, parents and grandparents bond."
The event exceeded organizers' expectations.
"It turned out better than we expected, and it gives us the oomph to do it again," said committee member Makini Williams.
Sunday's event won't be the last.
"We have plans for a Good Sunday event once a month," said Benson Ward II, one of the founding members of Good Fellaz. "This first Good Sunday was done as an introduction to the community. The next event may be a roundtable discussion with kids and parents. Good Sunday will be the kind of quality event anybody can come to, even my grandmother."
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