City Hall, Santa Monica College and the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council will present the Third Annual Unity Resource Festival this Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park.
This year’s festival theme is “Promoting a Strong and Sustainable Community” and features information on city, business and non-profit agencies that strengthen the community with supportive resources.
In the spirit of community service, the fair will also provide information on opportunities for residents to serve as volunteers in programs for youth and families throughout the city.
The producers and sponsors of the festival feel that, in these economic times, a festival such as this provides the opportunity to highlight resources that strengthen family support networks including employment, counseling, health services, after-school activities, art, food banks and more. For a community of residents known for civic involvement, the festival will provide opportunities to volunteer in all areas from tutoring to distributing food.
Residents are asked to bring canned or packaged food for the Westside Food Bank.
Free live entertainment will be featured, with such groups as the Luminaries, a 10-piece live music, “conscious hip-hop” band with their new release, “Peace.”
Back of the Hand Allstars (an ensemble of studio jazz musicians) will be on hand as will local dance band Horny Toad. In addition, oldies station 92.3 FM will broadcast from the event.
Art, games, a rock climbing wall, fitness contests by O2MAX, and Silly Sally Balloons will all be part of a Fun Zone for youth.
Featured speakers this year will be Louise Jaffe, chair of SMC Board of Trustees, and Tasha Danvers, 2008 Summer Olympics Bronze Medal winner.
For the third year, the Santa Monica-Bay Area Human Relations Council is coordinating a youth leadership dialogue.
This year, the dialogue is youth driven and organized by representatives from youth leadership councils and clubs throughout the city. The theme chosen by the youth organizers is “Power in Numbers: The Value of Our Voices.”
Also for the third year, Unity awards will be given for outstanding community service. This year’s recipients are the Santa Monica Rotary Club, the Kiwanis, the Lions, and GEMS.
Food will be provided by the Green Truck, Corn Maiden, Earle’s Grille and Jamba Juice.
Parking at the park is limited so walk, bike or take the Big Blue Bus shuttle from SMC. Virginia Avenue Park is wheelchair accessible and welcomes persons of all abilities. Event sponsors include the City of Santa Monica, SMC, Wells Fargo Bank, the Santa Monica-Bay Area Human Relations Council, The Santa Monica Police Officers Association, O2MAX, and Your Private Chef.
