Not to mention music and pony rides
By Anisha Coleman
For the St. Louis American
There was an insurmountable spirit of unity and peace hovering over the Joe Torry “Family Day in the Park” this past Sunday, June 26, in Kaufmann and Poelker Parks, located directly across from City Hall.
Despite the soaring temperatures, urban residents came out by the hundreds to participate in this family event, which boasted entertainment that appealed to all cultures and ages.
The National Anthem, sung by the acclaimed St. Louis R&B group S.O.S., kicked the event off with a musical bang. It riveted the crowd, giving onlookers the motivation to participate in the Family Day’s extensive list of power-packed activities.
If you were fortunate enough to enter the park on Market Street, you might have seen tiny tots on the backs of ponies casually strolling the park grounds. The joy and anticipation were obvious on the youngsters’ faces, many of whom had never before rode a horse. They seemed to be feeling what Joe Torry intended when he started his Giving Back the Love Foundation – the love and happiness of knowing that someone, somewhere cares about them.
Numerous vendors donated their time, services and products to help make Family Day a success. Pepsi donated drinks, Majic 104.9 (a division of Clear Channel Communications) donated the broadcasting that helped draw huge crowds, and TIME 4 FUN donated inflatable jungle gyms for the younger children’s recreation, to name a few.
The Missouri MOST-Saving for Tuition vendor booth drew record numbers of single parents to get information on how to save for their children’s education. James Pinkston, Missouri MOST representative, raved about the dramatic show of interest in saving for college from urban community members.
The boxing exhibition was sponsored by the St. Louis City Recreation Division (and is covered more extensively in this week’s Sports section). It included children ranging from 10 years of age to young adults, age 20. The children energetically boxed 10 bouts, leaving some of the more seasoned observers to marvel at their speed, accuracy and talent.
The main attraction for youth was the musical entertainment on the center stage on Chestnut Street. Rap acts like the All Stars, The Gudda Squad, J-Breezy and Trouble, Santini and 9-year-old rap phenomenon Lil’ Frank rocked the crowed and had everyone, young and old, dancing in the streets.
To compliment the spiritual component of the foundation’s objective, two renowned gospel groups – Chosen Generation, and Divine Harmony and Praise – performed eloquent praise dances.
American Idol fans got an unexpected treat when finalist DeAndrae Perryman popped on stage and brought down the house with his inspirational R&B ballad, which included elements of jazz and hip-hop.
When I spoke with DeAndrae, he commended Joe Torry and his foundation for their ability to bring sponsors, vendors, community activists and entertainers together for the social and emotional well-being of the community’s most valuable asset, our children. He said he would be back next year.
Joe Torry, St. Louis native and comedian, founded the Giving Back the Love Foundation in 1996 to help foster emotional, cultural, and social growth among children region-wide, with a special emphasis on inter-city youth. The foundation accomplished its diverse goals on Sunday, through entertainment and lots of love.
