1. 2014 Marshall CountyKids ExpoTeam Members:Cindy Flagg,Shelley Heiden,Beverley McDonald& Marla Murasko

2. Description of Project The intent was to design a project that would benefitchildren. We originally were focusing in on Arts & Music. Why? We wanted to introduce an Art or Music program tothe younger children of our community, who may nototherwise have the opportunity to experience the benefitsof development and social skills that these programs canbring to the young, developing mind of a child. Our project kept evolving, until we all agreed upon the firstannual Marshall County Kids Expo. 3. What Was Our Motivation?Thats Simple!Our passionfor the Arts&ChildrenHigh School Art ClubSomehappyattendeesHigh SchoolAmbassadorsworking kidsprize table 4. Objectives1. How did our project serve a community need?a. Parents dont know all the things our community has to offer for theirchildren over the summer and after school. Our event brought localvendors under one roof to bring all this information to parents. Tohelp them make informed decisions.2. How did our project help the group learn a new aspect ofMarshall County?a. There are so many opportunities for kids from sports, academic,performing arts, environmental, artistic, historical and more. Itallowed us to work with the community to share what they are doingfor kids. 5. Objectives (cont)3. Was the project new or an expansion?a. This was a new project for thecommunity. There is something similardone for the Seniors, so we figuredwhy not for the kids?4. How was your project received?a. The project was very well received byboth vendors and the community as awhole. So much so, that commentsfrom our survey asked for us to it againnext year.Lucky winner fromgiveaway pickingup her prize. 6. Time Line Brainstorming meetings to discuss direction. Research with schools, and hospitals inquiring aboutwhat programs are available with regards to art andmusic therapy. Initial ideas for this seemed overwhelming to cover allof Marshall County with 5 different school systemswith no budget and limited support. Kids Expo was created. 7. Time Line Date and Location were decided. A list of vendors was created. A logo was created. Letters were mailed informing the vendorsof the Expo. Each member was assigned vendors todo follow ups with. We also asked for demonstrations anddonations. An event page on Facebook was created. We worked with the PCSC to getAmbassadors and the Art Club to do facepainting.High School Ambassadorsworking kids prize table 8. Demonstrations(We had 6 demonstrations throughout the day)Officer Wiers & JaxJanas GymnasticsMusic & More OrchestraLifePlex Dance AcademyPlymouth FamilyTaekwondo 9. Marketing Event A great deal of marketing was done to create awareness of the event,the nice thing everything was volunteer or were in-kind donations: Newspaper Ads Press Releases (3 pre, update & post) WTCA Talk Radio and commercial WNIT Public TV Experience Michiana Show Chamber, School & local libraries Marquee signs on area business (DQ, Boys & Girls Club, MillersSenior Living, Walgreens, Plymouth Park) Posters in businesses, coffee houses, school, libraries Social Media 10. Vendors(We had 28 vendors)Boys & Girls Club Marshall County TourismCrossroads Church Martins Super MarketsCulver Summer Schools & Camps Plymouth Country Club Jr. GolfEarthworks Plymouth Family TaekwondoEncore Performing Arts Plymouth Fire DeptFreedom Park Plymouth Parks DeptHeartland Artists Gallery Plymouth Public LibraryJanas Gymnastics Plymouth Community School CorporationJunior Achievement Potawatomi Wildlife ParkBoy ScoutsLifeplex Dance Academy Small Wonders Day CampLifePlex Adventures & After Swan Lake Resort Jr GolfSchool Program Saint Joseph Regional Medical CenterMarshall County 4-H Wagoners Music ShopMarshall County Museum Quick Lanes 11. CommentsVery well organized Too loud in the venue. Couldn't hearpeople speaking to you at boothsGreat way to see whats going on The only way I knew about it wasAM1050. Maybe more advertising.Great variety of products & services"Well done! Great organization and good turnout.Nice event! Marshall County Historic Museum- Mindy Langdon"Thanks so much for having us. It was a greatevent!" Martin's- Super Markets - Elise Kunkel"What an awesome event with a great response! Thanksto all who made this happen...looking forward to manymore in the future! Plymouth Mayor - Mark Senter 12. Results From Survey(There was over 200 people that attended the expo)A Survey was given to each person that entered the expo. They were asked tovisit each vendor table and get it initialed. This allowed the child to choose fromthe kids prize table.Overall Responses About the Expo:AwarenessEase ofVariety ofof EventAdmittanceInfoAttainedRecommendEventLike ToSeeAnnuallyLevel ofSatisfaction67% 88% 91% 90% 98% 93% 13. Suggestions More parking Invite private schools Invite Upwards Basketball Invite Athletic Sports teams Invite Pool/Tennis committees 14. Strengths We all worked well as a team, excelling in differentareas to put the event together successfully: Marla Executing, Social Media Shelley Relationship Building, Influencing Bev Strategic Thinking, Executing Cindy Executing, Public Speaking 15. Sustainability We raised $270 from registration fees We as a committee would like to maintain this projectand continue organizing it in the future. We already have people who have volunteered tohelp us next year. We would like to use the money raised to sponsorpotentially two children to whatever camp or activitythey wish to take part in. (to be determined )