CONTACT: Kimberly Eads, Public Relations, cell – 832-287-5232, kim.eads@greenwoodking.com; Donna LaMond, Friends Executive Director, office – 713-662-7430, dlamond@westutx.gov; Sami Morrison, Friends Chair, cell 312-203-0405, sami.morrison@gmail.com
West University Place – December 10, 2024 – The 2024 annual Fathers & Flashlights urban campout was held on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 on the fields surrounding West University Elementary School. 552 children and 281 parents camped while over 260 volunteers took part in this cherished neighborhood event.
The chairs of this beloved annual fundraiser shared, “The 18th Annual Fathers & Flashlights was a wet, muddy blast! We increased enrollment due to the overwhelming popularity of the event and registered 280 families this year (30 more than prior years). We had to pivot throughout the night due to the weather and are so grateful for WUES, West U Staff, and our dedicated committee and volunteers for their great attitudes and helping hands! We loved co-chairing Fathers & Flashlights together for the last two years - it's a super special West U tradition and we've been so honored to be a part of it." – Kelly Beth Hapgood, Megan Nicodemus, and Katy Turner.
Friends of West U Parks would like to extend a special thanks to the 2024 Fathers & Flashlights co-chairs, the Hapgood, Nicodemus, and Turner families, for planning and organizing another incredibly successful campout and fundraiser. The event raised over $114,500 for West U parks. This year’s event was accompanied by a significant amount of rain…which never hinders the incredible memories created by the loyal families that look forward to this gathering of “Friends” supporters. There was no shortage of joy and infectious laughter as the children immersed themselves in exotic animal visits, a rock wall, face painting, tie-dye shirts, inflatables, snow cones, DJ dancing, a magical magician’s performance, and much more!
Dinner was a delectable feast with a plethora of options from The Pit Room, La Fresca Pizza & Grill, James Coney Island, Chick-fil-A Medical Center, and more. Neighborhood hot spot Tiny’s Milk & Cookies donated their delicious chocolate chip cookies for everyone as “Despicable Me 4” was enjoyed on the big screen. Breakfast Sunday morning included a tasty, comforting array for the participants who enjoyed OJ and chocolate milk from Hungry’s, coffee from Starbucks, and yummy treats from River Oaks Donuts, the Kolache Shoppe, and breakfast tacos from Adair Concepts.
None of the unforgettable memories made would have been possible without our generous underwriters and sponsors. A special thanks to our returning “Camp Founder” and Lead Sponsor of the event, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Thank you to ALL of the underwriters, sponsors, and in-kind donors, plus the many volunteers and staff who make this event possible each year. Our wonderful 2024 contributors at the Trailblazer Level and up ($3,500) included: Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Gibson Dunn, West U Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, H-E-B, Kirkland & Ellis, Texas Prime Insurance, Frost Bank, and Maggie Garza/Compass Real Estate, Elizabeth Borski/Old Republic Title.
For a complete listing of Fathers & Flashlights underwriters, sponsors, and in-kind donors, please visit westuparks.org. We are grateful to the West U Parks and Recreation Department for their tremendous support.
Fathers & Flashlights along with the Park Lovers’ Ball, coming up on February 8, 2025, at the Post Oak Hotel, are the largest Friends fundraising events. There are also other opportunities for involvement and ways to provide support. Friends fundraising continues year around with business and community partnerships, memorials and honorariums, pavers, benches, and tree sales.
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The Friends of West University Parks Fund is a volunteer based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds for the renovation, development and improvement of parks and green spaces in the neighborhood parks of the City of West University Place. The board is appointed by City Council and raises money through foundation grants, citizens’ bequests, memorials, special events and various other programs and events including partnerships with local businesses.
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