Caregivers and children had the opportunity to spend some time with other caregiver families
during the June 24 Foster Family Pizza & Pool Party. The local foster-care community has been
hosting the event in various forms for the past 20 years.

Even in Fun, Foster Parents Show They Don't Give Up When the Storm Comes

July 6, 2023

Stuart – Children frolicking about in the water features of Stuart’s Sailfish Splash barely noticed the rain Saturday. Some even thought it added to the fun.

“We’re getting wet anyway,” said one youngster, playing water tag and trying to miss the flood of water about to spill onto his head from the facility’s mail feature – a pirate ship with a giant, dipping bucket of water.

Lightning interrupted the event, but not before the estimated 250 children and caregivers had a chance to swim, slide, splash and enjoy a slice or two of pie at CCKids’ 2023 Foster Family Pizza and Pool Party. CCKids, the organization responsible for the child-welfare system in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast, hosts the event every summer to celebrate its local caregivers.

“It was an honor to set aside one day to literally serve our families for everything they do for us and our children,” said Jerra Wisecup, CCKids licensing and caregiver support specialist. “I loved seeing the smiles and hear the laughter and chatter as families reconnected with one another.” Wisecup said she thought caregivers would leave the park at the first sign of inclement weather. Instead, she said, they headed for various alcoves and awnings to wait out the passing storm.

“I should have known, because it’s reflective of what they do for our kiddos every day,” she said. “They don’t give up when things get tough—they remain consistent and optimistic until the storm passes.”

Help Needed for 2024 Event

Communities Connected for Kids is looking for sponsors to help underwrite next year's caregiver appreciation event.

"We are trying to make this a more sustainable event, and we think it's one that the community could have fun supporting," said Christina Kaiser, CCKids' community relations director.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 Foster Family Pizza & Pool Party are being developed now. If you are interested in learning more, please email christina.kaiser@cckids.net.