Resource agencies display service at Family Day event

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

A lot of resource agencies were set up around an area in Railroad Square Art District promoting their causes, all about families in some way.

 There was information on mental and physical health, children, youths and family services, arts and craft as well as cultural arts and health insurance. Even anti-bullying was one of the messages that were being spread last Friday.

The Family Day venue was also the place where Aimee Sachs was remembered. Her father, Ron Sachs and other family members were out promoting organ donation.

Aimee, was a journalist who died this past May, after suffering two strokes. Just before being removed from life support, she blinked her wishes to have her organs donated. That led to three people’s lives being saved. 

Sachs Media was one of several local interties that sponsored the annual event on the day after Thanksgiving. Other presenting sponsors included Leon County Government, the City of Tallahassee, the Council on Culture and Arts, Soul of Southside Festival TLH, the Children’s Services Council of Leon County and Capital Health Plan.

“I think the fact that it’s held the day after Thanksgiving, which is the time we give thanks for everything in our lives is just perfect timing,” said Cecka Rose Green, executive director of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County. “Quality-of-life events like this bring resources together with partners so that caregivers and parents can have sort of a one stop-shop to find the resources they need so they can care for their families.

“I think that an event like this bringing all of that together in one place with fun activities as well is just perfect for our community.”

Children Services Council was approved by voters in 2020 and it has since become the funding source for many resource agencies that provide service for the well-being of children. The CSC set up was one of the most popular stations.

Close by, DJ Demp Foundation was advocating its anti-bullying and other programs for at-risk children. Demp, well-known in Tallahassee, said the foundation’s presence was part of its effort to advocate year-round.

His foundation’s mission is more than eradicating face-to-face bullying but also cyber bullying, he said. He made a point of stressing that bullying has led to some young people committing suicide, making it a problem that shouldn’t be brushed aside.

“Bullying happens every day for kids and adults,” Demp said. “We want to bring awareness to show people how to deal with it, how to handle it and how to be aware of what it is.”

 The Family Day celebration is believed to be the first of its kind recognized by any community in Florida. There was plenty of entertainment, highlight by a lip-synch competition. Families also had an opportunity to have portraits taken, along with face painting and games.

“This is what Thanksgiving season is all about. It’s an opportunity for us to come together as families,” said City Commissioner Curtis Richardson. “I was so blessed to have my daughters home this thanksgiving. This is a great opportunity for families to come together, to reconnect, to thank God for the blessing that he has bestowed upon us and to get ready for what is to come in the next year.”

Nedra Ali and her husband, Norman, brought their three children out to the event. The couple, who has ties to Tallahassee, was visiting from Jacksonville.

“It’s a good, nice way to get out of the house; something the entire family could take in,” Norman said.