Hootenanny Let Kids and Parents Play With New Way to Raise Money for Schools

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

Chris and Krista Johnson, owners of The Emory, The Loving Touch, and Woodward Avenue Brewers (all on Woodward Ave. in Ferndale) are well-known for their fun events and their commitment to helping the community.  On March 7, 2010 they raised $1,500 for John F. Kennedy Elementary with an event that brought over 500 people The Loving Touch’s Hootenanny.

The Hootenanny provided an environment where parents could drink and relax with other grown-up friends and neighbors while their children had fun playing pool, listening to a funky, costume-clad band, getting their faces painted, doing crafts and running around to play.  Kids got in free while adults paid just $10 for several hours of fun. 

“Schools have so many fundraisers and much of the burden of those fundraisers fall on the parents, understandably so.  Whether it’s salsa, nuts, etc the parents are usually the ones to buy these fundraiser items.  These fundraisers are unavoidable and a necessary part of helping provide programs and activities for the school,” said Krista, who organized the Hootenanny.  “I decided to do a fundraiser by making a family-friendly event and invite the whole community, not just parents.”

The Johnston’s son Ruby, who is a second grader at JFK, was there along with friends. 

For future events at The Loving Touch, be their friend on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ferndale-MI/The-Loving-Touch/83860158443.