Community organizations and Beaumont families filled Lamar University's Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center for LEAD43 Community Impact Foundation's "Sunday Funday," a free event offering resources, children's activities, entertainment and giveaways, July 19.
Hosted in partnership with Lamar University's Division of Student Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, the event featured more than two dozen community organizations, free food and snow cones, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, live entertainment and prize giveaways. Attendees also had the chance to win door prizes through a ticket drawing held throughout the afternoon.
The event served as the culminating celebration for the LEAD43 Summer Leadership Academy, a week-long program that introduces middle and high school students to leadership opportunities and careers in public safety, education, health care, government and community service.
For many families, "Sunday Funday" offered an opportunity to become more involved in the Beaumont community.
"We've been trying to be involved more with what's going on in the community," attendee Natausha Douglas said. She attended the event while supporting her daughter, who volunteered during the afternoon.
Douglas said one of her favorite organizations was Legacy Community Development Corporation, which provided books for children to encourage reading. Her husband, Shammah Douglas, said he enjoyed visiting Give Them Life, which offered free health screenings.
Community organizations said the event allowed them to connect directly with residents and share information about available services.
Terrence Adams, Be Well Beaumont representative, said his organization's goal was to engage with the community, learn about what goes on in the city and to share health information with attendees.
Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas also participated, highlighting programs ranging from counseling and immigration services to housing assistance and food distribution.
"We want them to know about our services," Acacia Croft, director of Development and Communications for Catholic Charities, said. "We want them to know we're here for this community, and that's really what we want– for the community to know we're here and how we can serve."
Croft said that the organization hopes to recruit more volunteers because community involvement allows it to better meet local needs.
Several public service organizations focused on educating young people through interactive activities.
Representatives from the Beaumont Police Department distributed coloring books and information on topics including cyberbullying, vaping and online safety.
"We're here for the youth and the parents," Pamela Haymes, BPD officer, said. "We just want to encourage our youth by being positive, creating a positive environment and networking with one another."
Aqua Delco, BPD officer, said the department hoped children would leave knowing they have positive opportunities available to them.
Event volunteer Christopher Martinez said he was surprised by the turnout after arriving early to help.
"I honestly thought no one was gonna show up," Martinez said. "But then a little later, everyone started coming and coming."
Other volunteers echoed the event's community-centered mission.
Event volunteer Brienne said events like "Sunday Funday" help bring people together and remind residents they are not alone.
"I feel like it just brings everybody closer and lets everybody feel like they're not alone," she said. "It brings out something fun for the kids to do."
Rachel Valdes, community engagement coordinator for Southeast Texas Strong Families Coalition, said the organization regularly participates in community events to connect families with support services and share resources available throughout the region.
By the end of the afternoon, hundreds of residents had visited vendor booths, children lined up for the rock climbing wall and inflatables, and families gathered for food, music and prize drawings. Organizers said the event reflected its goal of strengthening relationships between local organizations and the people they serve.