Unity Partnership’s Annual 2018 Backyard Party

It was a hot day, 95 degrees, as I unloaded food, fun giveaways, and literature for our Backyard Party,” Love Thy Neighbor,” event. I could see our volunteers and vendors already hard at work setting up tables and arranging their products and informational items.  There were representatives from North Central College and Aurora University and several local businesses including, the Association of Government Accountants, Chico’s, Kilimanjaro, Lotus Grooves, GFS, and Texas Roadhouse. As things got underway, Yogo the clown entertained the crowd with his antics and face and body painting.  Our disc jockey, Jason Robinson, from Radio.com provided us with uplifting music.   Our board members pitched in throughout the day, setting up and serving a delicious array of food from different cultural traditions and welcoming guests. Our film producer, Mr. Andrew Tyler from Tyler Mann Films and Mr. Ted Mckee from McKee Photography captured every moment as community residents and members from law enforcement mingled. The conversations and laughter were a testament to how much the guests enjoyed being together. Our “Love thy Neighbor” theme was really evident. One of the officers requested a tattoo of a heart with his wife’s name, and commented, “this will make my wife fall in love with me all over again.” I couldn’t help but feel that his words reflected by own desire for the event, to promote love.
 
At the end of the day, I had some time to reminisce about a young man’s vision of such a gathering and was pleased to see his family there, as his dream was realized.   I saw white officers enjoying the music of a group of black teens playing jazz, and people from different cultures enjoying each other’s food, art and traditions.   I saw citizens listening attentively to the message of a couple of young woman representing, “Walk for Our Lives,” as they expressed their passionate plea for students to be safe in school.   It was and will always be a day to remember, a day full of joy and smiles.  For a moment, our differences disappeared and we were one.
 
I want to thank each and every board member who worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition.  There are no words that can express our appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Darrell Echols who is a phenomenal leader and educator...he walks the talk.  And to our donors, we could not have done this without you...you gave us an opportunity to show the community you really do care about us.  We want to thank the City of Aurora, Richard Irvin, Mayor; Alderman Sherman Jenkins and the Aurora City Council Members for such a wonderful contribution.  And to Cantigny Park, Mr. Matt LaFond, and Mr. Lou Marsico for your generous donation... and most of all, to our friend, Mr. Will Buhlig for spending the day with us. 
 
We hope to see you all at our next event.
From the President’s desk,
Regina Brent,
Unity Partnership, NFP

---