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Photo by: Andy Blenkush

Gophers Host Annual HopeDay Festival

9/10/2018 10:45:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development, M Club, M.A.G.I.C.

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The Golden Gopher athletic department held its largest community service event of the year when it hosted the 12th-annual HopeDay Festival, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium. The Golden Gophers and the HopeKids organization have partnered together since the inception of the festival in 2006. 

Nearly 500 student-athletes joined 250 HopeKids family members on the TCF Bank Stadium field and plaza. Dunk tanks, petting zoos, tie-dye t-shirts and a rock climbing wall were located on the plaza, while kids played on the field inside the stadium. A Papa John's pizza party was also provided to all those in attendance. The initial HopeDay festivals were located behind Bierman Field Athletic Building, but because of its growth over the years in attendance and events, the festivities were moved to TCF Bank Stadium. All of Minnesota's athletic programs were represented that were not participating in collegiate competition. 

HopeKids is an organization which gives hope to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families, via a program of ongoing, highly anticipated events with the message that hope is a powerful medicine. Founded in September 2001 in Phoenix, Ariz., it branched out to its Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter in November of 2006 and serves nearly 1,250 HopeKids and their families. A large percentage of the children in the program have already had their one large wish from one of the various wish granting organizations, but their battle continues. A large percentage of HopeKids have cancer, however, the program also serves children with any life-threatening illnesses such as kidney disease, heart disease, sickle cell and cystic fibrosis. HopeKids is for children between the ages of 0 to 18. For more information visit www.hopekids.org.

See the HopeDay Festival through photos and social media.

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