What do you get when you combine carnival games, face painting, raffles and a Dedham resident with a big heart? Fun for Kids Day.
“I spend six months preparing for this day,” said Mark Consentino, father of twin 4-year-old girls, Cassidy and Christianna. Last year Consentino held the first kids day at his home, but said he decided to open it up to the community this summer.
So on Saturday local families came to the Dedham Community House on High Street for the fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Boston.
Consentino said he organized the event as a way to “give back.”
“I have two healthy kids and I hear all these stories on the radio (about sick kids) and I have friends whose kids are in and out of the hospital,” Consentino said.
Attendees purchased tickets for $1 each to participate in the various activities. When children won a game, they earned tickets. After accumulating a certain number of tickets, they were able to pick out a prize.
Angelina Ruggiero, 4, said her favorite game was the football toss.
Six-year-old Caitlin Trainer chimed in that her favorite part of the day was “winning tickets,” as she happily held onto her prize - a Bling Card Design Set.
For the adults, Consentino had gift bags, available in exchange for a $10, $25, or $50 donation. Each gift bag, having a higher value than the donation, included items such as a T-shirt and gift cards to local restaurants.
BJ’s Wholesale Club was Consentino’s main donor, contributing all the prizes, which included games, arts and crafts and other toys. Panera Bread donated all the food—bagels, drinks and cookies, available for a small donation.
Mini Athletes, in Norwood, were in charge of all the games at Fun Day, which included a football toss and a game similar to darts, instead using a Velcro tennis ball. The company specializes in kids’ sports classes and birthday parties.
Mini Athletes’ coach Barbara Fine was enthusiastic about helping Consentino’s cause.
“I think it’s great. Anything for children is great,” she said.
Although Consentino planned the day by himself, he had plenty of support. His sister-in-law, Susan Consentino, who was in charge of face painting, came all the way from South Carolina to help out.
“He did an unbelievable job - he is great,” she said.
Family friend and Dedham resident Stacey Hernon was especially proud of Mark Consentino, whom she’s known since grade school.
“This is a true testament to his character,” she said.
Heather Keaney agrees. “It’s wonderful. It’s great for us to contribute,” she said. “And it’s great to bring the kids,” Hernon added.
Consentino said he looks forward to November, when he will start the planning process for next summer’s Fun for Kids Day. He was not sure how much money was raised.
“I hope it (Fun For Kids Day) grows more and more each year,” he said.
