Kids Who Care to partner with Lake Erie Crushers for family event

Families attending the Lake Erie Crushers’ Red, White & Boom celebration July 3, also will have the chance to learn about a new nonprofit focused on building character and confidence in children and teenagers.

Kids Who Care will host a “Character Zone” during the event at ForeFront Field, 2009 Baseball Blvd.. in Avon, offering games, activities and family-friendly experiences designed to encourage positive habits and communication between parents and children.

The nonprofit is partnering with the Lake Erie Crushers for the July 3 celebration, which will conclude with the Crushers’ annual fireworks show.

Kids Who Care founder Janet Vinciguerra said the organization was created to give parents practical tools to help children develop strong character traits without adding more stress to already busy schedules.

“We make it fast for parents and fun for kids,” Vinciguerra said. “Character lasts a lifetime.

“We want to help parents intentionally model the goodness of humanity.”

During the event, families will be able to participate in “minute-to-win-it” style games centered around positive habits and social-emotional skills.

Kids Who Care also will offer photo opportunities with its mascot, Benjamin Moose, while Chick-fil-A’s cow mascot is expected to appear.

One activity highlighted by Vinciguerra is called “Word-a-Day Vitamins,” where families focus on one positive trait each day, such as diligence, kindness or patience.

“It’s about raising the level of awareness in a family’s home,” she said. “At the end of the day, parents and kids talk about where they saw that quality in themselves or in others.”

The event also ties into the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration, with organizers incorporating a patriotic theme throughout the evening.

Vinciguerra said the nonprofit’s mission extends beyond individual families and aims to strengthen the broader community.

“Our mission is to equip parents with the tools and proven methods to build character and confidence in each child and teen,” she said. “We also want to cultivate a culture of character in our communities.”

Currently, Kids Who Care is developing additional resources, including a book scheduled for release Sept. 1 and a free interactive spinner app families can access through a QR code during the event.

Vinciguerra said the organization’s work especially is important as children spend more time on devices and less time interacting face-to-face with family members.

“We’re seeing more depression, bullying and cyberbullying affecting kids,” she said. “This is meant to be intentional, interactive and purposeful while still being fun.”

Additional details about the July 3 event are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.