Evening Star Campground will host the 24th Annual St. Jude Pool Party for the Kids on Saturday, June 21, welcoming families and friends for a day of entertainment and fundraising to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the campground in Topeka, Illinois.
The day-long celebration begins poolside at 10 a.m. with live music by Ken Brewer, alongside the opening of raffle ticket sales and concession stands offering classic summer snacks such as hot dogs and popcorn.
The event aims to raise funds to support St. Jude’s mission to advance cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., guests can gather at the large pavilion for additional live entertainment by Joe House while enjoying a selection of food, including pork chop sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, mini donuts, cotton candy, and drinks. The event offers a family-friendly atmosphere with activities designed for all ages.
A highlight of the afternoon will be a live puppet show performance of “Pinocchio” by Brett Crandall Studios at 1 p.m. at Center Stage. The performance promises an engaging experience for children and adults alike.
The fundraising efforts will continue at 2 p.m. with the start of raffle prize drawings. Attendees will have the chance to win a variety of prizes, with proceeds supporting St. Jude’s work in pediatric research and care.
A live auction will follow at 4 p.m., featuring high-energy bidding on donated items to further boost fundraising totals. The silent auction will open immediately afterward inside the pavilion, offering guests more opportunities to contribute while bidding on a selection of items.
Winners of the silent auction will be announced at 6 p.m. The evening concludes with the announcement of the Pig Raffle winner.
“For 24 years, this event has brought our community together in a powerful way,” Rick Rookstool said in a press release. “Every ticket, every snack, and every smile helps St. Jude provide hope and healing to children and families around the world.”