Family Building Blocks is looking for volunteers to help run one of Salem's largest free family events this weekend.
The nonprofit's annual Riverfront Family Fest returns Saturday, Aug. 8, at Riverfront Park, with organizers expecting more than 4,000 guests. The health and safety fair features 65 vendors, fire trucks, helicopters, school buses, bubbles and balloons. All of it is free.
Kat Hills published a volunteer call Aug. 6 through the organization's August Impact News newsletter, directing interested helpers to sign up online at familybuildingblocks.org. Specific shift times and roles were not listed.
As we reported Aug. 5, the event starts at 10 a.m. at 200 Water St. NE. The nonprofit, a certified Relief Nursery serving Marion and Polk counties, relies on about 400 volunteers annually to support its work preventing child abuse and neglect for families with children from prenatal to age five.
Two fall fundraising events announced
The newsletter also announced two upcoming events at the Salem Convention Center:
Dream Builders Luncheon: Tuesday, Oct. 13, noon to 1 p.m. The free lunch event invites guests to hear stories from local families and learn about volunteer and giving opportunities at Family Building Blocks' Relief Nursery locations.
Gala of Trees: Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 10 p.m. The annual holiday auction has raised more than $3 million for children and families in Marion and Polk counties since 1990, according to the organization's event page. The gala features elaborately decorated trees and luxury experience packages, drawing more than 450 business owners, medical professionals and community leaders. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1.
Upcoming community calendar
- Saturday, Aug. 8 — Riverfront Family Fest, 10 a.m., Riverfront Park (free)
- Tuesday, Oct. 13 — Dream Builders Luncheon, noon, Salem Convention Center (free)
- Friday, Dec. 4 — Gala of Trees, 5:30 p.m., Salem Convention Center (tickets on sale Oct. 1)
