The Exceptional Foundation gets ‘Wet n’ Wild’ with outdoor event
The Exceptional Foundation hosted its second annual Wet n’ Wild Carnival Day with the help of The Emerging Leaders from Regions Bank on July 20.
The foundation is a non-profit organization that provides social and recreational activities for people with mental and physical needs.
Wet n’ Wild featured carnival games, activities at the foundation, along with a water slide and games in Homewood Central Park. Participants tackled an inflatable obstacle course, worked on crafts, played games and had the opportunity to dunk staff in a dunking booth later in the evening.
Chris Germany is a member of the staff at The Exceptional Foundation and assisted with all five groups participating in Wet n’ Wild.
“I’ve always known I wanted to provide some kind of assistant in some way to someone, and I found it through this,” Germany said.
The most energetic group was the blue group, The Exceptional Foundation's youngest group that ranges from age 5-12.
“They are always on the go, Germany said. “You never know what you’re gonna get with the blue group.”
Trey, 9, was a member of the blue group and said the water slide was his favorite part of the event.
The Regions Emerging Leaders volunteers represent 20 departments from the bank’s Birmingham headquarters. The Emerging Leaders complete a six-month development program and includes a strong emphasis on community service.
Pam Wray, a Regions Bank Emerging Leader, said she was nervous about going because she “has a big heart and [feels] for others.” But her nervousness went away once she began interacting with the participants.
“They have such individual and unique personalities,” Wray said. “They’ve made me laugh, and they’ve made me laugh. I’ve gotten a ton of hugs, and I’m a hugger. Everyone’s just been great. They get excited, and that excites us.”
Wray said a highlight of her day was when one of the participants approached her and asked her what her the make of her first car was and the year she was born. The conversation then ended. Fifteen minutes later, he returned and said, “I just want you to know that you’re still beautiful.”
“So I may be old, but I’m still beautiful,” Wray said laughing.
Tricia Kirk, executive director of The Exceptional Foundation, said the goals for the day were safety, fun and fostering their partnership with Regions.
“Our participants love to have people come in and visit, and they love the entertainment,” Kirk said. “It’s a great way to show Regions what we do, but also it’s a great way for Regions to give back to the community.”