Music filled the air, laughter echoed through the fairgrounds, and smiles beamed across faces of all ages – Spring in the Valley was back and groovier than ever! This annual celebration had a dual purpose – bringing the entire community together for an afternoon of pure joy and inclusivity, while raising crucial funds to gift two local families caring for children with disabilities.
As the groovy vibes pulsed with the “Peace, Love, and SGF” theme, local artists, musicians, and businesses took center stage. From the student art show curated by the Children’s Museum of Rome to the incredible live performances, Spring in the Valley shone a well-deserved spotlight on the rich talents that make our community so vibrant.
But at its core, this event ensured a welcoming space where children of all abilities could experience the simple pleasures of festival fun. The SGF Kids Game Booth bustled with sensory-friendly activities like sponge painting, sand and water tables, and even a tie-dye station honoring World Down Syndrome Day. No child was left behind as they danced among the bubbles and played beneath the parachute.
While the festivities brought unparalleled joy to attendees, the true champion of the day was Specially Gifted Foundation’s mission. As a nonprofit supporting families who care for children with disabilities, the funds raised at Spring in the Valley enable them to gift two families from our Northwest Georgia community each year with life-changing assistance.
So let this blog post transport you to that glorious spring day, where the convergence of groovy fun, local pride, compassionate giving, and
Peace, Love, and SGF
We all love a good theme, right? Themes add so much fun to the atmosphere and also gives us an excuse to dress up and elevate the decor. Rather than come up with the theme ourselves, we choose 1 of the 2 families that previously benefited from SIV to create the artwork for our event t-shirts.
We share previous years designs with them and explain the focus of SIV: to bring together families for a day of inclusive fun, enjoy music, food, games, and celebrate our mission. From there, we encourage them to let their imaginations guide them.
This year’s t-shirt designer was SGF kiddo Micah and his sister. Micah and his family were chosen to be gifted from Spring in the Valley last year. This year’s groovy theme of Peace, Love, and SGF brought together families, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors to create a fun and inclusive event for everyone in attendance. It was also easy for our team and vendors to incorporate the theme into the decor.
We were overjoyed to be able to meet Micah and his sweet family in person at this year’s event. Also, if you ever need a good salesman, Micah is definitely your guy!
SGF Kids Game Booth Shows its Colors
It is important that our mission is represented well through our events. We want to ensure that SIV caters to families caring for children with disabilities. This is where our SGF Kids Game Booth came into existence years ago.
It is the greatest joy to bring this incredible booth to Spring in the Valley each year. Coordinated and run by Emily, SGF Board Member and SLP-CCC, and Ashley, Occupational Therapist Assistant and blog contributor, this feature is a team favorite.
This booth makes it possible for typical children to play alongside children with disabilities. Children have plenty of activities to choose from, such as sponge painting, bubbles, sand and water tables, parachute play, and more. From sensory play to paint and crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If families and children become overwhelmed/overstimulated, we also provide a dedicated space called the ‘Quiet Corner’ for an easy and calming escape.
A new addition to this year’s SGF Kids Game Booth was our tie-dye station. This activity was inspired by our theme and World Down Syndrome Day (WSD). Children had the opportunity to show their creative side and design their own tie dye socks to take home with them. We look forward to next year’s WSD, March 21, 2025, so all the kiddos can show off their unique and fun socks they made at SIV 2024.
Family Fun at Every Turn
Everything was bigger this year. We had more shopping vendors than ever before. It is always great to see so many different businesses and services on display, from woodworking and custom leather to freeze-dried candies and hand-woven crafts. We are grateful to each of these businesses and artists for spending the day with us and sharing their craft and services with others.
All activities were accompanied by live music from several talented musicians and bands. It’s not a festival without live music, or at least that’s what we believe. Another must at festivals is food, of course. We always try to provide a variety of food and beverage trucks so there’s a little bit of everything. Whether you want a taco from Vamos Tacos, burger from EVO, or even gourmet popcorn from Mahli’s Unipop, you can find it at SIV. Also, if you need a pick me up or sugar rush, Shelby’s Coffee or Kona Ice is more than willing to satisfy your needs.
Now, let’s talk about activities and games. Our team and fundraising committee put a lot of thought into every part of SIV, especially entertainment. SIV 2024 featured face painting, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, a trackless train, a jumping house inflatable, a bubble house, and much more. One thing that was new this year was hoverball, which is an inflatable archery activity. This addition seemed to be a huge hit, and also a reminder to some that they need to practice their archery skills.
We also owe a big thanks to Rome Fire Department and EMS for coming out to SIV for the kiddos to learn more about safety, and to admire the big red fire truck of course!
Children’s Museum of Rome Presents an Art Show
We partnered with the Children’s Museum of Rome this year to bring an art show to SIV. Children’s Museum of Rome is a nonprofit dedicated to providing a hands-on, interactive learning environment for families to explore, learn, and grow together. We were thrilled to have their team coordinate an art show featuring artwork from local students.
SGF is grateful to the Children’s Museum of Rome and their team for planning and hosting our very first art show. This was the perfect way to promote young, local artists. It was also very nostalgic to walk through and appreciate the artwork from students. We hope the winners continue to express their creativity through art for many years to come.
Spring in the Valley Car and Bike Show
This was our third annual Spring in the Valley Car and Bike Show, sponsored by Blake Alvey and the Automax of Rome. Blake and his team really brought the heat this year with over 40 participants who came out to show off their pride and joy.
We know a lot of hard work goes into keeping these beautiful cars and bikes clean and shiny, not to mention the upkeep for what’s under the hood. SGF and Automax of Rome are grateful to everyone who entered the show.
Speaking of thanks, we owe a special thanks to Blake and Automax of Rome for sponsoring our car and bike show three years in a row. You guys are the best!
PS. If you’re looking to cool down this summer be sure to check out Blake’s new business that also joined us this year Rome River Ratz Tubing & Kayaking!
Spring in the Valley Volunteers
Running an event like SIV is a lot of work, and volunteers are always needed to make this event and others possible.
A round of applause is owed to the biggest group of volunteers we have had to date. We were not only amazed at the volume, but most of all the generosity of everyone who volunteered their time, skills, and labor of love.
Among these incredible people were friends, family, team members from participating nonprofits, Leadership of Rome, Floyd Springs Baptist Church, Advance for Kids, and many more. To honor them, Truett’s Chick-fil-A of Rome donated chicken sandwiches and Coca-Cola of Rome donated beverages for all of our volunteers.
We hope each of these kind individuals know how appreciative we are for all the hard work they put into running Spring in the Valley. Their eagerness to support our event and community truly warmed our hearts.
SIV Resource Community for Families
In addition to providing special gifts and opportunities, we strive to provide beneficial resources and a sense of community to families caring for children with disabilities. Spring in the Valley has become an incredible opportunity to deliver on these two crucial functions of our program.
Over the years, we have continued to grow our nonprofit and resource vendors at SIV. Some of these great organizations include High-Five Society, Parent to Parent of Georgia, CQA Care, NWGA Autism Center, CABS, Advance for Kids, and Mission IS Possible. Their participation at this event makes it possible to connect and share resources with families that can benefit from their services. We look forward to continuing to grow this area of SIV.
Spring in the Valley 2024 Highlight
Aside from the fun activities, new partnerships, resources made available, and giftings made possible from the event, the SGF team expressed a common “win” while reflecting on SIV 2024’s success. Each year we see more and more Gifted Families at SIV, and we were on cloud 9 with each family we saw approaching the entrance.
Another memorable moment was when we saw how many other families caring for children and young adults with disabilities were in attendance. This growth shows us that the reputation for this event and our organization is doing what it is supposed to. Over the years, we have met several families at SIV that later on become a Gifted Family. So, not only is SIV a great place to see previously gifted families, but to also meet other families that can benefit from our mission.
There is no shortage of festivals and fairs, but unfortunately, they are not always accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and we are fortunate to fill in that gap. We will continue to add to and improve the inclusive and disability-friendly activities at SIV and hope to see many more families at future events.
SIV 2024’s Impact on SGF’s Mission
We are forever grateful for our sponsors, in-kind donors, vendors, volunteers, and attendees, and hope they know how much we value their support. Not only do these groups help make the event possible, but also make it a success!
Each year, we go into SIV with a goal of raising enough funds to gift (benefit) two families from the NWGA area. With over 1,200 people in attendance, 50+ vendors, 40+ volunteers, 30+ sponsors and in-kind donors, we reached our goal. We are thrilled to introduce the TWO families from the Rome area that are now GIFTED FAMILIES, thanks to SIV 2024!
Serenity and her family were in need of a vehicle to fit her wheelchair and therapy equipment in order to get to and from therapy sessions. Thanks to everyone that contributed to SIV 2024, we were able to make this dream a reality for this precious family!
Laithen’s family expressed their dire need of a new Rifton chair to help with feedings. These types of equipment are a large expense and not covered by insurance unfortunately. Thanks to SIV 2024, Laithen’s family’s gift request has been granted!
Presenting Sponsor
Relentless Chiropractic + Wellness
Contributing Sponsors
Advance for Kids Gordon County
Anonymous
Advocate Sponsors
The Kelley Family
Community Partners
Cargle & Allen Realty/Development
Sisson Cattle Co.
Clocktower Creations
North Georgia Decorative Concrete
In-Kind Sponsors
SIV Giveaway Donors
Car and Bike Show Sponsor
Waste Management Sponsor
Musicians
Food Trucks
Vendors
Scentsy
A Raven & A Wolf Designs & Twisted Treats Bakery
Memaw’s Creations
Hurricane Crafts and more
Pampered Chef
H.L. Freeman
Nana’s Handmade
Gems&Jewels
Kute Thingz
Simply Gemuine
Trinkets & Treasures
Bossy Louise Jewelry and Accessories
Matombo Arts and Crafts
Face painting
Suncom Mobile
SK4 Toys
B.A.M. Hat Bar
Nonprofits and Resource Vendors
Alto’s Angels
