The MOMS Club hosted a Community Egg Hunt on Saturday at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso. The free gathering attracted children of all ages from newborn to 12 years old. The goal of the event was to provide a morning of fun and raise money for All About Kids, an organization which provides in-home early intervention services for children needing assistance with motor skills, language and social interaction
“About three years ago, we voted with our membership and decided that this is what we wanted to do. We knew this would be a great way for us to raise money for organizations here in town and to get exposure for our club so that we can reach other moms,” said Valparaiso MOMS Club president and event co-chair Melissa Holmes-Smith.
Cash donations for All About Kids were accepted. Any contributor of $5 or more was awarded a complementary cook book. Salvation Army representatives attended to gather canned food donations. The March of Dimes also made an appearance.
“We try to make this a fun thing for people to do, and if they can donate, then they will and if not, they don’t have to. We want this to be easy for people,” Holmes-Smith said.
Three separate egg hunts were held throughout the morning. First up were the toddlers ages 0-3. After their egg seeking frenzy was completed, the 3-7 and 8-12 age groups took their turns. In addition to the egg hunts, there were several other attractions featured. Free photos with the Easter Bunny, a bake sale and a raffle were all available. Victoria Christian Academy came out to the Expo Center to provide face painting as well.
The MOMS Club is a group of mothers that offers support for other moms that stay at home part of the time or full time. The non-profit organization has hundreds of chapters across the country. Holmes-Smith explained that putting on the Egg Hunt has strengthened the bond between members of the Valpo branch of the MOMS Club.
“We all came together. Our club was united in having this raffle, the bake sale and getting these other organizations out here,” she said.
The holiday weekend festivities were expected to take place regardless of the weather, but everyone was thankful that Mother Nature decided to cooperate. After a week filled with chilly temperatures and days of rain, the sun was shining on Saturday morning, making the search for eggs even more enjoyable.