10th Annual Willie E. Gary Kidz Carnival Provides Toys
and Holiday Cheer to Thousands of Children

Children are Treated to Carnival Games, Rides,
Cotton Candy, Music, Face Painting and
a Visit from Santa Claus
        

STUART, FL – Prominent attorney, Willie E. Gary, and the Gary Foundation recently hosted the 10th Annual Kidz Carnival at Memorial Park in Stuart, Florida.  Thousands of children from five counties were invited to attend the event to receive toys and enjoy food, Christmas music, carnival rides and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The law firm of Gary, Williams, Finney, Lewis, Watson and Sperando, P.L. graciously sponsored the purchase of over 2500 toys.  Many local businesses made financial and in-kind contributions in support of this worthwhile event.  Sponsors for the carnival included:  Fiorella Insurance Agency, Inc, AXA Advisors, Inc., Wallace Jeep, Coca Cola, Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Williams, Dr. Anthony De Lucia, The Law Offices of Elarbee Thompson Sapp and Wilson, Dragonfly Graphics and the Gary Financial Group.

Over 20 youth organizations from Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties were invited to bring young people to the carnival to pick out a gift of his or her choice and enjoy the festivities. The Kidz Carnival is a highly anticipated event on the Treasure Coast.  Since its inception a decade ago, the Gary Foundation Kidz Carnival has been providing toys to disadvantaged youth who otherwise may not receive any presents for Christmas.  

Children enjoyed sno-cones, popcorn, cotton candy, multiple dance and hula hoop contests, as well as a competitive round of musical chairs.  Reggie D of X102.3 radio in West Palm Beach, Florida entertained the guests.  Attendees were, once again, overjoyed with excitement when the Chick-Fil-A cow arrived dressed as Santa Claus!

“This is by far my favorite event of the holiday season,” said Gary. “Christmas is about giving to others and making sure that children, who are less fortunate, can also enjoy the excitement of receiving toys. Given the current economic climate, we have found that there are more children in need than ever before.  Kids being kids - that’s what the carnival is all about,” continued Gary. “Our job is to make sure they have fun, and don’t have any worries for the day.”

Known for his philanthropic endeavors, Willie Gary and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to their alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Three year-old Gari Villa of Palm City, Florida dances to the music
duringthe 10th Annual Willie Gary Kidz Carnival (Story and
Photo Courtesy: Deborah Silver, Stuart News)

Zachary Carter (center) and Stewart Pettway, both 10 and from Stuart, Florida,
wait in line to pick out a toy while shelter from a downpour of rain is
provided by Lana Nemeroff (left) and Diane Kwant (right)
who both work for the Gay Law Firm (Story and Photo
Courtesy: Deborah Silver, Stuart News)

Willie Gary (top center) takes a moment to pose with three young men
who are all smiles after receiving a toy of their choice.