Summer Picnic!!

The rain held off and members were met with solidarity and sunshine as 2958's NextGen Committee hosted this year's Summer Solidarity Picnic. The culminating event for this committee's project 6 months in the making was attended by an estimated 150 people.
Entertainment included a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank, cornhole
tournament, and food. While there was no rain, some participants did get soaked. Officers Zach Keller, Dave Tocco, and Jon Beck reluctantly perched on the narrow platform above the tank in what was undoubtedly the most popular event of the day. Whereas they might have been hesitant,
numerous children eagerly volunteered to take their place to enjoy a cool splash. It is worth noting the very 1st pitch of the day delivered by Christi Keller, sent her husband Zach into the deep.
A total of 5 teams participated in the cornhole tournament. The first round saw tough
competition between the team of Johnny Roberts and his daughter, against Brandi Harmon and Max. Ultimately Brandi and Max would prevail and go on to win the tournament. In lieu of
proclaiming “We're going to Disney World!” the team enthusiastically said, “Does this mean we get to be in the newsletter?” Yes, yes it does.
Curious children of the community timidly approached and offered an enthusiastic smile upon learning that they could join in the celebration. Patrons of the Kokomo Rescue Mission benefited from the event, as well. Unused burgers, hotdogs, and buns were donated and will provide over 50 meals to members of our community in need.
This project was more than just a chance to provide value and entertainment for the
membership. NextGen'ers practiced disseminating information such as gate pamphleting,social media use, and graphic design. They made essential connections with people in different departments and opposite sides of the road. Trust was formed between members and problem solving skills were put to the test. No class or lecture can substitute for the real world
experience NextGen has provided.
The committee would like to thank everyone who attended, volunteered on the day of the event, helped sell tickets, or bought a raffle ticket to help with funding. Special thanks also go out toKokomo Fire Department for filling the dunk tank, Coca-Cola of Kokomo for donating drinks, and Unlimited Chiropractic on North Washington for donating gift cards for the raffle.
A big thank you also goes out to the NextGen Committee. Members of the committee donated countless unpaid hours, sacrificed lunch breaks, and time with family on the weekends to ensure its success. It is worth noting almost the entirety of the picnic was paid for by their fundraising. No one person could have accompanied this by themselves. It took the whole union coming together. We truly are better when we all work together.