10th Annual Halloween Hoedown Fundraiser!

All Ages Read Together is so excited to welcome back the Halloween Hoedown - our annual, family-friendly fundraiser - after a 2-year hiatus!

We are planning a good ol' Halloween Hoedown complete with a live band, bbq buffet (vegetarian options available), a costume contest, and a silent auction! Kids of all ages can enjoy our Kiddie Korral, which includes arts & crafts, an inflatable, and games!

Not only are you supporting AART's mission to provide free preschool classes to children in under-resourced communities*, but you will also have a guaranteed night of fun!

FAQs

When is the event?
Saturday, October 29, 2022

Is the event rain or shine?
Yes! The event takes place indoors.

Where is the event being held?
River Farm
16009 River Farm Lane
Leesburg, VA 20176

What is AART's fundraising goal for this event?
$22,500 - funding (1) school-year class in 2022-2023!

What is the schedule?
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and you will have immediate access to food, drinks, games, the silent auction, and Kiddie Korral. Winners of the costume contest will be announced around 7:30 p.m. The silent auction will close between 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. The times listed here are all subject to change.

What should I bring?
A great attitude, ready for a night of fun! There will be silent auction items and additional drink tickets for purchase, so bring cash, checks, or credit card.

What should I wear?
This event has no dress code; however, western wear or a Halloween costume is welcomed! There will be prizes for the best individual, child, and group costumes. The event is held in an actual horse arena, so the floor may be dusty, and we do not recommend wearing high-end shoes or high heels. Please wear or bring socks if you plan to ride the mechanical bull.

What should I know about the silent auction?
Bidding will open at 5:00 p.m., and rolling closing times will occur between 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. You must be present to win! If you leave before the item you bid on is closed, you must designate someone to bid and take the basket home, or the next highest bidder will be selected.

What type of items will I find in the silent auction?
There will be an assortment of items including, but not limited to, wine, alcohol, and family-friendly activities. There will be some higher-end items such as sporting event tickets and vacations. All baskets will be professionally wrapped and make for excellent holiday gifts! You can learn about our special vacation trips at https://bit.ly/aarthoedown2022trips

What is on the bbq menu?
Various bbq meats, bbq side dishes like baked beans, cole slaw, and mac n' cheese. Vegetarian chili will also be served. The items listed here are all subject to change. However, there will always be a vegetarian option available.

Do you need volunteers for this event?
Yes, we do! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, fill out this volunteer interest form.

* Universal preschool does not exist in Virginia; coupled with the high cost of living, many working-class families and those living in under-resourced communities must prioritize shelter and essential utilities over the cost of preschool. Data tells us this is true –

• Only 29% of low-income children in Northern Virginia are enrolled in preschool, compared to 67% in higher-income households - making this the highest income disparity of preschool enrollment in the entire country. Hughes.
  
  
• Children from low-income families and those at risk for academic failure, on average, start kindergarten 12 to 14 months behind their peers in pre-literacy and language skills. U.S. Department of Education.
  
  
• If children cannot master reading at a basic level by the third grade – they are six times more likely to leave school without a high school diploma. Hernandez.
  
  

All Ages Read Together helps fill the preschool opportunity gap in Northern Virginia. Our program is unique because we are portable and operate within in-kind spaces to keep our costs down. You will find our classes in affordable living communities, libraries, senior centers, community centers, and places of worship in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. Want to learn more, visit https://allagesreadtogether.org