The Delran Education Foundation will host its second annual back-to-school block party on Saturday Sept. 10, at the township’s community park.
Since 2015, the foundation has helped raise money for the Delran school district through fundraisers that give educators resources for student learning and development programs.
Foundation co-chair Lucy Horton is organizing the block party with other committee and board members.
“After COVID, we were looking for a family friendly event to do outside,” she said. “We wanted to do something at the beginning of the school year for students and teachers.
Horton said the idea for the party came from another event.
“Another school district nearby was doing a movie under the stars that the teachers already planned,” she noted. “We wanted to plan a similar event that would be fun for everyone.”
So parents don’t need babysitters, the block party will welcome children.
“Kids can have fun while parents meet teachers and connect with each other,” Horton added.
Delran high-schoolers can use the event as an opportunity to earn community service hours by working in areas such as the ticket booth and food stands.
Horton emphasized the block party’s teacher dunk tank.
“The teachers sign up in 15-minute intervals,” she said. “Parents and kids see the schedule beforehand, so they know which teachers will be dunked at a certain time.”
The event will also include games, a Nintendo Switch raffle and a live DJ. Last year, there were characters dressed up in superhero costumes, but this year’s costumes will be a surprise.
Sponsors include Garrison Architects, Delran Batter’s Alley, Earp Cohn P.C., Paige Reese Salon & Spa, Optic One, Bigwood’s Custom Painting, Bailey Landscape Services, Mike’s Pizza & Sub Shop and L&M Bakery.
“This is our second year and we hope to do this every year because we had such a great time last year,” Horton said of the block party, which drew 600 people last year. “It’s a big, family friendly event geared toward everyone. It’s inexpensive, and the money goes back into the schools.”
“It’s a nice, small community, with support I’ve never seen.” Horton added of Delran. “The foundation is always looking for more volunteers.”
Each block party guest will be given a food voucher upon admission. Hours for the event are 4 to 7 p.m.
For more information on the Delran Education Foundation and to buy tickets, visit https://www.delranedfoundation.org/ and https://deftix.com/. Tickets will also be available at the door.
