Saturday, September 27, 2008

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 27, 2008) - The ETSU Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Department of Children's Services, hosted a "Fall Carnival" for foster families in Northeast Tennessee Saturday, in the Memorial Center.

Over 200 children took part in the three-hour event which had games such as: basketball, tennis, golf, and a family relay race. Along with these activities the Fall Carnival provided creative stations for face-painting, temporary tattoos, make-a-bracelet, family picture booth and a cheerleader seminar. 

"Being a foster parent is a really hard job, and there is not enough appreciation," said Resource Parent Support Case Manager Vanessa Addington. "There is no (financial) benefit being a foster parent, so what we tried to do was to support families we have and also recruit new parents."

This is the first time that the Fall Carnival has been held in Johnson City. Student-athletes from each of the 11 Atlantic Sun member schools spent time with children helping to conduct the games and activities for the local kids. The event was held in conjunction with the Atlantic Sun SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) fall meetings hosted by ETSU.

"I would like to thank Erin Beese and Vanessa Addington of the Department of Children's Services for their hard work in making this event a reality," said ETSU's Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Barbie Breedlove. "I would also like to thank Assistant Athletics Director, Kirsten Clark and staff member Kristi Smith for their hard work putting this event together. This Fall Carnival is a tremendous example of what three divergent organizations can do when working together to help children and families in our community."