Macktown Lions Club teams up with Windsor Pizza Parlor, Rockford Speedway in support of GiGi’s Playhouse

MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
Macktown Lions Club members were a strong force behind KIDFEST.

By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
Catchy children’ s music set the scene for fun as the Macktown Lions Club of Rockton teamed up with Windsor Pizza Parlor in Machesney Park, and the Rockford Speedway in support of GiGi’s Playhouse. Six hours of action filled the grounds of Windsor Pizza Parlor on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Macktown Lions KIDFEST 2019.
Imaginations soared as visitors created garden rocks complete with a ladybug theme plus pieces made out of a scratch art method. Clowns Rosa and Cutie painted faces on young and young at heart resulting in huge smiles.
Everyone was treated to a stunning magic show brought to life by Magician Brian Holt.
Fun fair games included a Fishing Frenzy; tossing a ring on a bottle, the Lollipop game and a “Matching Ducks” game.
Bounce houses, raffles, prizes and photo opportunities in a “Back to school” themed bus background extended fun options for everyone. Food and beverages were also available for purchase.
Capturing great interest were colorful, eye catching late model race cars that are driven at the Rockford Speedway. Kids had a chance to meet drivers with a bonus of being allowed to go into cars to see cool details on each.
Freeport resident Mark Mannino of the Macktown Lions Club placed a seed that sprouted into an idea to hold a KIDFEST event. It was decided during the process that all proceeds would go to GiGi’s Playhouse of Rockford. Macktown Lions Club members jumped into action and a committee was formed. Tracy Fransen and Mae Larkin are credited for going the extra mile to assist with the overall event along with numerous volunteers. Together a trio developed with the club and businesses resulting in efforts that led to an event for a great cause. This was an event to remember.
GiGi’s Playhouse has 46 locations across the United States and Mexico including one under the heading of Rockford which is located in Machesney Park. GiGi’s Playhouse stands by a vision “To see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities.”
Each GiGi’s Playhouse provides free life-changing therapeutic educational and career training programs for over 30,000 individuals of all ages. In GiGi’s Playhouse LLC. Rockford more than 20 programs focus on areas such as literacy, fitness, social skills, enrichment and job training. GiGI U features adult education and extra opportunities.
Together Macktown Lions Club, Windsor Pizza Parlor, the Rockford Speedway and the community raised $1,200 to help further the mission and goals of GiGi’s Playhouse in Rockford.