By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The Virgin Valley non-profit group Love, Family recently held its first ever “family reunion” event which brought over 50 people to the Leavitt Memorial Park in Bunkerville on Saturday, Sept. 25. The group headed by Dana Long and Aloree Smith was created to bring together different elements of the community and promote understanding of LGBTQ issues. Those who attended found multiple family reunion-style activities to keep entertained and find unity and joy in life.
Some of the activities present included karaoke, tug of war, races, bounce houses, Jenga, cornhole, bubbles, and so much more. Also present was Smoke’N’Grind Barbeque which provided food for those who wanted to order.
Several booths were present to help raise awareness on a number of subjects. One of the biggest booths had information and stats through questions about LGBTQ youth who face issues such as bullying, exclusion, depression and suicide.
“We hope to help make people more accepting and realize the importance of loving each other no matter the backgrounds that we come from,” said Long.
Kristen Hoerner, who ran another booth, informed people about upcoming events available for local residents and southern Nevadans. Among them is a Medieval Fair, Library activities, and a Teen Gay-Straight Alliance Monthly Meeting on every 1st Thursday of the Month at 4:45 pm for ages 12 – 18. That meeting is held at the Mesquite Library at 160 W. First North St., Mesquite, Nevada.
Another goal of this event was to help gather donations of school supplies for JL Bowler Elementary school in Bunkerville. The results of this effort were staggering as they filled 15 big bins full of school supplies for the classrooms. A contest was held with prizes for local businesses who brought in the most donations over the last month. The winner of the contest was Mad Mike’s.
“We were very shocked that we won!” said Mad Mike’s bartender Kimberly Muniz. “We are very grateful for our customers helping out the kids by bringing in supplies and donating.”
The big conclusion was several people taking the challenge and agreeing to take a pie in the face to help raise funds for the cause. “Throwers” paid for the opportunity to throw a pie at those who volunteered.
What followed was a fun time with hilarity and all in the name of love for kids and each other. Whipped cream from the pies was all over!
“We had such an amazing time at our first annual Love, Family Reunion at Bunkerville Park!” said Long at the end of the activities. “We had so much fun hearing the kids hop dup on the mic for karaoke, get super competitive in the family reunion games and even partake in some pie throwing! We can’t wait to hang out with everyone again at our next event. So stay tuned for more info!”
For more information about Love, Family email lovefamilynv@gmail.com.
“It was very exciting to have an event that is on the basis of love and family,” said Aleaha Sargent of Mesquite, who attended the family reunion event.
