On Saturday, August 6, Single Mothers Outreach hosted its first SCV Water Festival, providing a fun-drenched day for hundreds of children and their parents.
Ed Bernstein (25 Score) was the first to be soaked in the dunk tank, sponsored by Mission Valley Bank. Kids cheered as their parents and others, including Steve Whitney (Real Life Church), Terry Kingery-Crain (SCV Chamber), Kim Goldman (SCV Youth Project), and Pastor John Shaver (Valencia United Methodist Church) were dunked. The grand prize winner, a boy wearing a cast, scored 15 direct hits with his left hand and won a birthday party at Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Academy.
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Ed Masterson of SOS Entertainment provided a festive backdrop to the whole event, keeping the crowd entertained and informed of the events of the day. Spencer Handley worked along side him, playing a great selection of upbeat tunes.
“The lifeguards had fun, too, making personal song requests,” remarked DaAnne Smith, Executive Director of SMO. “Everyone seemed to have a great time. When the kids are happy, parents are happy.”
The biggest hit of the day was the Rubber Ducky race as everyone gathered in eager anticipation to see if their duck won the race down the 160-foot water slide. Mike Bjorkman (SCV Leasing) provided all the ducks for the children.
The festivities also included a water golf event sponsored by Scratch Golf. At the end of the day, parents and children enjoyed a viewing of Finding Nemo.
SMO benefits Santa Clarita by giving single parents a place to connect, network, and receive resources.
Single parent, Melissa Rogers, moved the audience with her own story of connecting with SMO during a particularly difficult period after she lost her business and her marriage of 17 years: “I expected to be married the rest of my life. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional devastation of falling from a high place socially and economically. I no longer fit with my married or single friends. SMO has become my family as I pick up the pieces and move on.”