LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the 173rd year, the St. Joseph Children’s Home in Louisville hosted its family-friendly festival. The two-day picnic features casino-style games, food vendors and raffles, all to fundraise for the children’s home.
“This picnic has been around for so long and we have such a dedicated community. They show up as sponsors, they show up as volunteers, they show up to come out and celebrate,” Suzy Hillebrand, chief advancement officer for St. Joseph Children’s Home, said.
This year’s fundraising goal is the highest it’s ever been — $1 million.
“It’s never been done at the St. Joe’s Picnic, and to be halfway and say, ‘Hey community, can you set up now and help us out?’ It’s going to be a great day,” Hillebrand said.
Hillebrand added that this, year they are expecting nearly twice as many attendees as in 2019, the last year the picnic was held in-person.
“We’re expecting about 75,000 people,” Hillebrand said.
Like a lot of the people here, Hillebrand has a long history with the picnic. Her grandparents first started vending here back in the 70s and she grew up coming here every year. Five generations later, it’s still a family affair. Her family currently runs a food booth with cotton candy and other fair favorites.
“First time I was in this booth was in a playpen behind it so we’ve never missed. And it’s great to be able to come here and raise all this money for the kids, some of the most abused and neglected kids and children in our area being taken care of here and it’s wonderful to support them,” Hillebrand said.
Through an afternoon of fun, the community of Louisville is helping ensure that kids with nowhere else to go can find a home at St Joseph’s.
The St. Joe’s Picnic is free to attend. There is also free parking on-site. The picnic will run until midnight on Saturday, Aug. 13.