Each month, we are introducing you to a new maternal mover and shaker—an inspiring, make-a-difference mom right here in our own community.

Can you believe it?  Summer’s already half over. As Richmond moms, we are focused on end of season swim meets and squeezing in last-minute summer camps. Required reading texts are being checked out of the library and we’re keenly aware of  school supply selections sneaking into the stores.

Yet in our midst, other Richmond moms are confronting a far greater challenge than getting to the Outer Banks one last time this season. Too many Richmond families are being forced to face a diagnosis of pediatric cancer. One RichmondMom is doing her darnedest to bring some comfort to their situation…

Meet this month’s RichmondMom with a Mission: Lisa Spickler Goodwin, Co-founder and Managing Director of Connor’s Heroes.

RichmondMom Cheryl:
What was the catalyst that made you decide YOU personally needed to take action?

Connor’s Heroes’ Lisa:
My son, Connor, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 22-months old.  My daughter, Emily, was 6 weeks old at the time.  Connor endured 2-1/2 years of treatment for his leukemia, with lots of complications and setbacks.  During that time, our family had tremendous support from the community – friends, neighbors, co-workers, our church – and it was still a hard journey.  We realized that there were many families who didn’t have a strong support system.   We couldn’t even imagine how they were coping.  So, we started learning where there were gaps in the services that were being offered to families battling childhood cancer, and my husband and I decided that we wanted to try and fill those gaps.  We spent the last year of Connor’s treatment researching, brainstorming, and asking questions.  We pulled in every resource we knew and asked for help.  Once Connor ended his treatment in March 2006, we were just about ready to launch.  Connor’s Heroes was officially launched in May 2006.

Please tell us what you do with Connor’s Heroes.

As Managing Director, I oversee all aspects of the organization.  I have helped to design all of our programs and I also manage our fundraising and administrative tasks.  While my passion is, and has always been, directly working with our childhood cancer families, I often find myself handling more of the operational aspects of running a nonprofit.  Thankfully, I have been able to surround myself with talented and passionate volunteers and staff.  I recently hired our first part-time development director and she is fantastic!  I’m excited because I think she will allow me to spend a bit more time with our families, which I have been truly missing.

What is the goal of the organization?

Our mission is to build a community of heroes who provide hope, guidance, and support to children with cancer and their families.  Our vision is to make fighting childhood cancer a journey a family never faces alone.  What makes Connor’s Heroes unique is that we try to get to know our families whom we support personally and then provide individualized support designed to help them with their specific needs.

What has been accomplished so far?

Currently, Connor’s Heroes provides assistance to children and their families who are being treated for cancer here in at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the VCU Massey Cancer Center Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.  On average, 100 families receive services through Connor’s Heroes each year.

By building relationships of trust with patients and their families, we try to help each family identify needs and then respond quickly and appropriately by engaging community volunteers in personal support services.  We have developed six programs in the last eight years to remove stressors and support patients and families.  These programs are:

• Heroes Bags & Backpacks provides age-appropriate, practical and comforting supplies and resources to patients and families at the time of diagnosis.
• Superheroes and Sidekicks eases the isolation and burden of cancer by matching children (either patients or siblings of patients) with trained mentor buddies.
• Bone Marrow Transplant Unit Support includes patient room decorating, the Room of Possibilities where families can enjoy time together, patient gifts, and friendly visits.
• Helping Heroes Program provides volunteers to help with individual family needs such as coordination of meal delivery, grocery shopping, housework, and child care.
• Bereavement Support provides continuing support to families during their grief journey, including financial assistance through the Heroes Angel Fund to help parents properly say goodbye to their child.
• Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund will support the first pediatric cancer researcher hired by the VCU Massey Cancer Center as a result of our advocacy and fundraising efforts.

What makes you proudest personally about your affiliation with the group? 

I know that we are truly making a difference in the lives of families who are battling childhood cancer.  I am proud that we have been able to build an organization that is able to connect with families in such a personal way.  I also love that we provide opportunities for our “community of heroes” to volunteer and lend their support in all kinds of ways.

Probably my proudest moment was when we established the Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund (started in 2007 and named in 2013). [My husband] Steve and I were shocked when we learned that childhood cancer is the #1 disease killer of children, but funding for research is minimal compared to other cancer types.  We were also surprised that no one in Richmond was conducting pediatric-centered research.  After many years of meetings, raising money, and working with the VCU Department of Pediatrics and VCU Massey Cancer Center, we’re thrilled that our goal of bringing a nationally recognized pediatric cancer researcher to Richmond is just around the corner.  Interviews are already in progress!  Our initial endowment fund became fully funded last year and the Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund will be used to provide direct funding for the research that will be conducted.  We couldn’t be more excited or more proud to be a part of this!!

What’s next on-deck?

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so we have many great awareness activities planned.  One of our largest fundraising events that will definitely appeal to your readers is diggityFEST, Richmond’s “Favorite Family Festival” according to Style Magazine.  With all vendors and attractions geared towards children, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to be a part of the fun on Sunday, September 21, at Westchester Commons.  In addition, there is:

• September 6:  Race for the Gold 5K and Fun Run in Bowling Green
• September 16:  Amazing Raise 5K at the Boulders (join Team Connor’s Heroes)
• September 20:  Heroes Run and Rally at Capital Ale House
• September 21:  DiggityFEST at Westchester Commons

For more information on all of our events, or to donate or register to volunteer, please visit www.connorsheroes.org.

How can others get involved?

We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help us with our mission!  Interested volunteers can register at www.connorsheroes.org.

How do your kids and husband feel about what you are doing?

Steve: “Connor’s Heroes has been a part of our family’s lives for almost as long as my kids can remember.  It truly has been an opportunity for them to share their giving spirits with others and to learn how important a community of heroes can be for everyone.”

Connor:  “My mom spends a crazy amount of time dedicated to volunteering and helping others.  She works harder than anyone I know!  She is a role model and inspiration for me and I hope that I can be willing to give back as much as she does as I get older.”

Emily:  “I’m really proud of my mom for all the hard work she puts into Connor’s Heroes every day.  She helps other kids feel special while they are battling their cancer and she makes us at home feel just as good.”

Lisa, we thank you so much for your commitment to this important cause…and for being a RichmondMom with a mission!

Read about our past moms here:

June RichmondMom with a Mission: Gena Reeder

A jam-packed lineup of six national acts will fill the air with music at the third annual DiggityFEST, sponsored by movin’ mania. The event, which features kid-friendly music of all kinds, will be held on:

• Sunday, September 15, 2013
• From noon to 5:00 p.m., at Westchester Commons

It is the only festival dedicated to kids’ music in the region, and has rapidly gained in popularity each year.

Connor’s Heroes Benefit

The benefit for Connor’s Heroes is free to attend, with $5 wristbands for Kid Zone activities.

“This year’s lineup is really exciting for area families who likely have never had the opportunity to see many of these musicians perform live,” says Donny Atkins of local kids’ group The Diggity Dudes. “We have gotten to know these acts from our time touring the east coast, and the quality of their music is really top-notch. They have been featured on XM Kids Place Live and many other Internet radio shows, and we’re thrilled to be bringing them to Richmond.”

In addition to popular local performers The Diggity Dudes and Hope Harris and Cousins Jamboree, DiggityFEST performers include:

• Grammy Award-nominated musician Justin Roberts
• Rolie Polie Guacamole
• Steven Courtney & the Suitcase Musicians
• Alastair Moock
• Jonathan Austin will also be on-hand to wow the crowds with his masterful magic and juggling feats.

Local food trucks and other concessions will be available, as well as a host of activities for the kids, including:

• Zero Gravity Bungee Trampoline
• Game It Up game truck, bounce houses, and more

Westchester Commons is located at the intersection of Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike in Midlothian. For more information, please call 804-980-6811 or visit www.diggityfest.com.

Remembering and honoring on 9/11.

This week is shaping up to be cool and fun. There are plenty of fun events during the day for kids not in school yet, and lots of after school and evening fun events too.

Richmondmom.com takes time to remember all of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and to remember all of the heroes who risked their lives to help others on that fateful day. We are grateful for the fire, police, rescue, and others who serve so faithfully – and for the citizens who stepped up to the need on 9/11. Remember 9/11 by doing something to help someone else on Tuesday, 9/11/12.

Be sure and schedule time for Mommy & Me at Willow Lawn where you’ll catch up with our Richmondmom.com representatives. Touch a Truck is Saturday, along with SAMOM, Glen Allen Day, and lots of other fun events. Try to make it to more than one for a fun-filled day.

And be sure to check our mega-calendar posting of tons of Fall Festivals and Fun too.

Note: Always check dates, times, and locations for events as they may change after posting events. Thank you!

Ongoing

The Hound of the Baskervilles – Begins September 14 – November 4, 2012. Part of Virginia Rep’s Barksdale Season at Hanover Tavern – Three actors take on more than twenty roles including Holmes, Dr. Watson, and themselves as they hilariously retell the story of the classic thriller with the killer dog! This highly theatrical comedy will have you howling with laughter. A fast-paced spoof for the entire family!

Click here for some ongoing events at the Science Museum of Virginia and more.

Remember that September is ADHD Awareness Month and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Monday, September 10

The Black Law Students Association along with the Muslim Law Student Association at The University of Richmond will host a blood drive in remembrance of the victims in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It will be held at the UR law school on Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nobody Told Me – Commonwealth Parenting at 4121 Cox Road, Innsbrook. If you love being a mom (or want to be a mom) but had no idea how hard it would be, join in for honest conversation and realistic ideas for making it easier. Register: 804-545-1272. (Free)

Tuesday, September 11

Remember those who lost their lives on 9/11/01 and do something good for someone else.

9-11 Heroes Run at ACAC Wellness & Fitness, 11621 Robious Road, Midlothian. 8:00 a.m. Fun for the family.. 5k honoring first responders, military and civilians. Visit website for more information.

Healthy Child Healthy World – West Creek Emergency Center at 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon. “Moms on a Mission” It’s all about empowering and enacting change by communicating safe, green, healthy lifestyle opportunities. “With scientific evidence linking chemicals to asthma, autism, cancer, allergies, diabetes and more, it’s crucial that we spread the word about how to reduce toxic exposures.”

GrowRVA Food Truck Court will be at the Museum on Tuesday, September 11 from 5-8pm!

Pals Meeting at Short Pump Mall – Fires Ablaze from 11 a.m. – noon. Meet in food court and watch Station 13 arrive in a fire truck and teach about fire safety. Fun for kids.

Brain Balance Open House – The Brain Balance Program brings hope to families of children who suffer with behavioral, academic, and social challenges. We are specialized achievement centers that utilize a drug-free multi-faceted approached to address the underlying issues in many of the behavior, development, and learning disorders that plague so many children today.

Artist Nights at the Science Museum of Virginia  – Tuesday, September 11, 6-9 pm. Artists and students of all ability levels are invited to hone their figure-drawing and artistic skills during Artist Nights inside the Body Worlds & the Brain exhibition. Artists are invited to bring their own art supplies and tools. Chairs will be provided. The exhibition will be open to artists and budding artists of all ages to use the medium of their choice to capture the beauty and intricacies of the human body (no photography is allowed). Included with Body Worlds admission. Space is limited so advance purchase of tickets is recommended, www.smv.org.

Wednesday, September 12

Mommy & Me AND Richmondmom.com at Willow Lawn – It’s all free and best of all – there is a new LIVE entertainment event each morning. Richmondmom.com’s own Katie Mardigian will be at many of the events to help create some fun!

Back to School Night with Dream Dinners - Attendees receive a gift certificate for their favorite teacher to get a Dream Dinner for just $5!

Medicine Cabinet Makeover at Scents of Serenity at 7:00 p.m. – Come to Scents of Serenity Organic Spa to learn how to help your children focus better on their schoolwork, stay healthy, and manage allergies and sick days. Did you know some Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils kill bacteria and viruses? They do! Free workshop is Wednesday night 7-8:30 pm at Scents of Serenity Organic Spa, 3016 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, located upstairs in a historic farmhouse. Seating is limited and classes fill up fast, so call Melanie at (804)277-4498 to reserve your spot!

Lunch Break Science noon – 1 p.m. at Science Museum of Virginia. September 12 – PaveDrain – Innovations in Permeable Pavement for Stormwater Management presented by EMCO Site Solutions Vice President Dan Bishop.

Scents of Serenity – Medicine Cabinet Makeover – Back to School Edition – Wednesday, September 12^th from 7:00pm-8:30pm.

The Weight of the Nation, an HBO documentary focusing on the rising obesity problem in America, will be shown in the IMAX dome at the Science Museum of Virginia as a part of National Childhood Obesity Awareness month (at 5:15 p.m.). The screening will focus on the “Children in Crisis” episode from The Weight of the Nation series. There will be a beginning reception at 5:15 PM followed by an introductory program and the film starting at 6:00 PM.

Mom’s Night Out at Mosaic – 5-9 p.m. (6229A River Road, River Road Shopping Center). We’re inviting everyone (especially mom’s who need a night out!) to a fun and tasty fundraiser for www.aarf.org. Just come eat and drink and a portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit rescue dogs and cats! Just mention to the server you’re there to support AARF.

 Amelia County Fair at 16501 Five Forks Road, Amelia, VA. Midway rides, the Egg Council chocolate contest, pet costume contest, children’s tent, animal exhibit, daily racing pigs, Rockin Robin Revue by Chesterfield Children’s Theater, and a demolition derby. 804-561-5515

Thursday, September 13

Barnes & Noble Storytime at Short Pump Children’s Storytime: Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 6 and Under). Join us each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime. On the third Thursday of each – month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum.

Dr. Seuss Art Exhibit Opening at Bella Arte Gallery (3734 Winterfield Place, Midlothian, VA) at 6;00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Opening night of this exhibition’s first-ever appearance in Virginia celebrating the art and life of Theodor Seuss Geisel, also know as the beloved Dr. Seuss. Exhibition continues through October 14.

La Leche League Mother-to-mother Breastfeeding Support at 6:00 p.m . at Hip to be Round in Carytown.

Friday, September 14

LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! comes to Richmond at Science Museum of Virginia. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Fun event for the entire family. Join LEGO DUPLO play leaders for 2 days of creative building fun filled with guided activities, inspirational songs and time for free build to create whatever inspires you. Tailored for children under five, the experience demonstrates how reading coupled with construction play can engage, excite and encourage early literacy development, and spark exploration. Families are introduced to new ideas to encourage play and learning at home. Kids will be inspired by the larger-than-life LEGO DUPLO book at the events!

Family Campfire at Rockwood Nature Center (3401 Courthouse Road, Richmond VA) from 8-9 p.m. Night hike and campfire fun for the entire family.

Saturday, September 15

Wild Days at Busch Gardens. Interact with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s animal ambassadors during “Wild Days” featuring Jack Hanna. Guests can get up-close with dozens of animals and learn how they can help protect wild animals and their habitat. This popular animal event takes place Sept. 15 and 16 at Busch Gardens. For more information visit www.buschgardens.com/va or call (800) 343-7946.

Richmond Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk – Pre-Registration Fee $50 – Walk-In; Registration Fee $60; Registration 8:30 am – Walk starts at 10:30 am  – Join us on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at St. Christopher’s, Richmond, VA. Pancreatic Cancer Research Events are a great way to increase funding for research and raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. Lustgarten Foundation Events serve as a wonderful celebration of the progress being made in the fight against this disease, and your important participation provides hope for the future

Glen Allen Day.  9:30am-3pm.  Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park.  For all ages. One of Henrico County’s largest outdoor festivals! The festivities kick off with a parade at 9:30 a.m. on Mountain Road. Activities in the park include children’s activities; participation by several local schools; balloons by Miss Sheri the Clown; an arts, crafts, and business fair; custom and classic car show; and local musicians on two stages. Concessions are available for purchase.  Rain date: Sat, Sept 22, 9:30am-3pm.  Free admission and free parking.

SAMOM Fall/Winter Sale  – Southside Area Mothers of Multiples – SAMOM Public Shopping  sale is gearing up for Saturday September 15, 2012. Don’t miss it! Sellers are busy sorting, pricing, and tagging all the clothes, toys, and kid stuff you could possibly need. Lots of clothes 50-90% off retail.

Touch a Truck with the Junior League – plenty of trucks, food, activities and fun. The Junior League of Richmond will hold its 7th annual Touch a Truck Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with early admission for a VIP Hour beginning at 9 a.m.

The Color Run – Rescheduled for September 15th, this is one 5K run you DON’T want to miss. Lace up your running shoes, grab your family and friends, and get ready to have the most unique runs you will ever have in your life! Begin in a white shirt and get pummeled with color as you reach each kilometer. Cross the finish line and celebrate with a color explosion. Be sure to be your camera for before and after shots! The run will take place in downtown Richmond.

Michael J. Fox Foundation Gala - Get ready for the local Michael J. Fox Foundation Gala Fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease to be held at Raintree Racquet Club on September 15, 2012. It starts at 3:00 p.m. with free admission for everyone.

P. Buckley Moss will be at The Center on Saturday, September 15, 2012 with a luncheon and book signing. The luncheon begins at 11:30am in the Grand Ballroom, tickets are $50. The book signing  follows at 1pm and continues to 4pm in the Gumenick Family Gallery. The book signing is free. To order tickets call 804-261-2787

Publick Days at Henricus Park – Join us for our annual celebration of the 1611 founding of the Citie of Henricus. Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with living history re-enactments, military drills and musket firings, craftsmen and blacksmiths, 17th-century medicinal demonstrations, Virginia Indian activities, historical children’s games and crafts, storytelling and more. Our largest and most popular annual event. Free Admission. $5 Parking Fee. Saturday, September 15 – Sunday, September 16, 2012 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) 

History Hounds Explore The Fan – 10 am. – noon – Dogs are invited to join their owners for this walking tour of The Fan, in partnership with the SPCA. Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their dogs. Space is limited. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at 700 W. Franklin Street.

Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church – 1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive – A Red Bird Mission Craft Fair is being held at Mt. Pisgah UMC - Saturday, September 15th from 10 am to 3 pm; Sunday, September 16th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. All proceeds will benefit the Red Bird Mission and Clinic, which strives to meet the needs of those in Appalachia through ministry in five areas: Education, Health and Wellness, Community Outreach, Economic Opportunity, and Community Housing Improvement.

Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello – a short drive for lots of fun. Taste a bounty of heirloom fruits and vegetables and learn about organic gardening and seed saving during this fun, family-friendly festival unlike any other. Activities include hands-on workshops, garden tours, an organic, author talks, local food marketplace and more. 434-984-9822.

“Taste of the City” – Great food live auction, music and more. Benefit the Arthritis Foundation and have a great time.

Kids Night Out at Romp n Roll.  5pm-8pm.  Romp n’ Roll West End, 9677 W. Broad St. Glen Allen VA 23060.  Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you! That’s why we created Kids Night Out. Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a Pizza Party dinner at Romp n’ Roll! A perfect evening indeed! $30, which includes a pizza dinner. Ages 2-5 (potty-training not required). Reservations Required.

St. Mary’s Community Day – 1-5 pm; Under The Big Top.  1pm-5pm.  St. Mary’s Campus, 5801 Bremo Road, Richmond.  Kids can bring their favorite stuffed toy to the Teddy Bear Clinic.  Free entertainment by Diggity Dudes, carnival themed kids’ activities, safety demonstrations and more.

Open Auditions Madeline’s Christmas at the Shops at Willow Lawn from 10 am. – 4 pm. Twenty-four girls ages 7 to 13 will be chosen for twelve roles in Virginia Rep’s Madeline’s Christmas. To audition, register online and prepare one of three songs listed. Fun to watch, too!  804-282-2620.

Open Auditions for the Nutcracker Suite – Auditions for the 2012 PDM Productions, Inc of The Nutcracker Sweet are just one week away… Saturday, September 15, 2012!  There is no audition fee and the audition is open to the community. We are looking for all levels of dancing and acting. If you are not sure which audition to attend, please email info@PDMProductionsva.com with your specific question.

Cornhole Tournament at Deep Run Park – 12 noon – 6:00 p.m. Ages 14 and up can compete in this fun event. Register: 804-290-1305.

Virginia Hops & Harvest Fest on 9/15 – Check out the first annual Virginia Hops & Harvest Festival, celebrating Virginia craft brews, food, music and the outdoors. Featuring music from Dallas Wesley, Sweet Justice, Led Zeppelin tribute band Zoso, Paul Plumeri Blues Band, and The Yardbirds. Expect Virginia craft beers like Devil’s Backbone, Hardywood Park, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Bull & Bones and more. Held at Pocahontas State Park. $12.50 advance, $15 at the gate. Beer tastings not included in cost of admission. Gates open at noon; music begins at 1:30 p.m.

43rd Street Festival of the Arts – Food, music and art come to the streets at Forest Hill and 43rd. Always a good time with lots of original artwork, handmade jewelry, crafts and more. With music from Blueline Highway, Susan Greenbaum and Rachel Leyco.

Heart of Virginia Bike Festival in Hanover – It will feature Century 100 Miles, Metric Century 62 Miles, Short 31 Miles and Family Rides 8 Miles.

September 16

Classics on the Green Wine Festival & Antique Car Show – The Classics on the Green Wine Festival & Antique Car Show features over 250 classic European automobiles including Rolls Royce, Bentley Motorcars, MGB, vintage race cars and many more. Located at New Kent Winery, this event also offers tastings from 4 Virginia wineries, plus food and shopping vendors. To purchase tickets, visit www.ClassicsontheGreen.com.

Connor’s Heroes Foundation presents the 2^nd Annual DiggityFEST at Westchester Commons, brought to you by movin’ mania, on Sunday, September 16, 2012, from 1:00-4:00pm.

Publick Days at Henricus Park – Join us for our annual celebration of the 1611 founding of the Citie of Henricus. Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with living history re-enactments, military drills and musket firings, craftsmen and blacksmiths, 17th-century medicinal demonstrations, Virginia Indian activities, historical children’s games and crafts, storytelling and more. Our largest and most popular annual event. Free Admission. $5 Parking Fee. Saturday, September 15 – Sunday, September 16, 2012 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Run – September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! The Greater Richmond National Ovarian Cancer Coalition will be holding an Ovarian Cancer Awareness fundraiser at Bogey’s Sports Park on Sunday, 9/16 from 1-5pm.  It will be a family-oriented event at the Pavilion that day, with horseshoes, volleyball, corn hole tournament, face painting and more!

The ARTisan Cafe Fall 2012 Edition – Join us at the Plant Zero Arts Complex, Saturday, September 15th to experience the Fall 2012 Edition of the ARTisan Café. Featured in the March 2012 issue of Essence Magazine, we are excited to host this nationally acclaimed affair in Richmond, Virginia. The Fall Edition boasts a carefully curated showcase of over 30 artisans from the Richmond, VA community, as well as an exclusive musical showcase courtesy of the Heavy Hitter DJ Lonnie B.

DiggityFEST is Central Virginia’s ONLY all-kids-music festival.  The Diggity Dudes (a Richmond-based “kids band”) are back by popular demand to spearhead this special kids music festival.  In addition to a featured performance by the Dudes, the festival will also include two other nationally recognized kids’ bands: Hope Harris & The Cousins Jamboree, and Silly Bus.

This event will be packed with activities such as:

• The KID ZONE with a moon bounce, crafts, face painting, and instruments
• movin’ mania – Vie’s Obstacle Course
• movin’ mania  mascot Broc
• Snoopy characters
• Food vendors

Band performance times:

• 1:15-1:50pm – Hope Harris & The Cousins Jamboree
• 2:10-2:50pm – Silly Bus
• 3:10-3:55pm – The Diggity Dudes

Admission into DiggityFEST is free, however donations are gladly accepted, and wristbands for The KID ZONE are $5.  All proceeds benefit Richmond-based charity, Connor’s Heroes.

For more information visit the website.

Sponsored by:  movin’ mania, Bon Secours St. Francis Watkins Centre, Music & Arts, Richmond CenterStage, Richmond Family Magazine, Romp n’ Roll, and Westchester Commons.

Organization Overviews: Connors Heroes Foundation was founded in 2006 by Steve and Lisa Goodwin in honor of their son Connor’s successful treatment of Leukemia, and on behalf of the other children and families with which they shared mutual successes and losses.  Connor’s Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is creating a community of heroes who provide hope, guidance, and support to children with cancer and their families.  Through programs such as Heroes Bags and Backpacks, Superheroes and Sidekicks, and Bone Marrow Transplant and Hospital Support, Connor’s Heroes provides unique, individualized support to families battling childhood cancer and treated at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

movin’ mania is a Bon Secours initiative to help improve the health and wellbeing of Virginia’s kids. Movin’ mania is joining forces with health care providers, educators, businesses, government leaders and families to influence the eating and exercise choices for elementary and middle school children. The ultimate goal is to provide children a fun online experience with educational content that can be easily and enjoyably applied into their everyday lives. Over time, movin’ mania hopes these healthy actions form life-long habits in the next generation of Virginians.