Family Fun Night at WHBLC

On April 30, 2026, WHBLC hosted Family Fun Night, our signature annual fundraiser supporting the Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO). Held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, this event welcomed all WHBLC parents, families, friends, and staff to celebrate together while raising crucial funds for our school community. The evening featured a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement, laughter, and meaningful connections among families and staff members.

 

WHBLC honored the memory of Jennifer Engelage at Family Fun Night, celebrating the remarkable woman and devoted mother whose love and dedication continue to inspire our school community. Jennifer, the mother of one of our current students, passed away last year after courageously battling cancer. Her unwavering commitment to her child's education and her warmth toward our staff and families left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. By recognizing Jennifer during this special evening, we ensured that her legacy of love, strength, and advocacy for her child lives on in the hearts of our WHBLC family. Her memory reminds us of the profound impact that dedicated parents have on their children's lives and on our school community.

 

The heart of the fundraiser centered on a raffle featuring an impressive array of donated items. WHBLC staff members curated baskets filled with various treasures, while generous local businesses contributed gift cards and additional baskets, enriching the prize selection. Attendees purchased raffle tickets and placed them into buckets positioned in front of each basket for a chance to win. This interactive element kept the energy high throughout the evening and generated significant revenue for SEPTO.

 

Beyond the raffle, Family Fun Night offered something for everyone. Grammy nominee Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could electrified our main gym with rockin' live music that had families dancing and celebrating. Simultaneously, guests enjoyed arts and crafts activities, sensory experiences, a black light room, our annual bookfair, and a popular balloon-animal station where a skilled WHBLC teacher transformed balloons into creative animal and object designs. Every available raffle ticket sold out, making Family Fun Night an exceptionally successful fundraiser that strengthened our school community while supporting vital programs for our students.

 

Fundraising events like Family Fun Night are essential for WHBLC because they generate critical financial resources that directly support our students with special needs. These funds enable us to provide enhanced programs, specialized materials, assistive technology, and enrichment activities that may not be fully covered by standard school budgets. By inviting families into our school for these events, we create a sustainable funding model that empowers our community to actively invest in their children's education and success. This collaborative approach to fundraising demonstrates that supporting our students is a shared responsibility among families, staff, and the broader community.

 

Beyond financial benefits, family-centered fundraising events foster profound social-emotional connections that strengthen our entire school community. When families visit WHBLC for events like Family Fun Night, they witness firsthand the dedication of our staff, the capabilities of their children, and the inclusive, supportive environment we've built. Parents and caregivers experience a sense of belonging and pride in being part of something meaningful, reducing feelings of isolation that families of children with special needs often experience. Staff members benefit emotionally by seeing their efforts recognized and celebrated, building morale and reinforcing their commitment to our mission. These shared experiences create lasting bonds that extend beyond the school day and foster a culture of mutual respect and appreciation.

 

Additionally, family fundraising events provide invaluable social-emotional benefits for our students themselves. When children see their families actively engaged in supporting their school community, they develop stronger self-worth and understanding that they are valued members of a caring network. These events normalize inclusion and celebrate neurodiversity by showcasing our students' abilities within a joyful, accepting environment. The positive energy, music, activities, and celebration send a powerful message that our students belong and matter. For many of our families, these events become cherished memories that reinforce hope, connection, and the knowledge that they are not alone in their journey. In this way, Family Fun Night and similar fundraisers transcend their primary purpose—they become transformative experiences that nourish the emotional well-being of students, families, and staff alike.