Community Comes Together at ForKids Field Day to Support Local Families 

ForKids’ 7th Annual Field Day brought together supporters, sponsors, volunteers and friends for a full day of friendly competition and community connection at Cedar Point Club in Suffolk.  

Presented by Louis and Mary Haddad and supported by more than 60 local sponsors, Field Day offered something for everyone — from a scenic walk along the Nansemond River to outdoor yoga and golf — while raising critical funds for ForKids’ work with children and families across Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater. 

This year’s event welcomed 200 attendees and raised $124,000 to help ForKids provide housing, education and crisis-response services for families working toward stability. Forty-three volunteers also gave their time and talent to ensure the day ran smoothly, including individual community members and groups from QVC, USI, Sysco, Capital One, the Virginia Department of Health and M&R. 

From the first walkers of the morning to the golfers wrapping up the afternoon, the day reflected the generosity and momentum of a community committed to brighter futures for children, said Thaler McCormick, CEO of ForKids 

“We are so grateful to every donor, sponsor, volunteer and staff member who made this day possible,” McCormick said. “The funds raised through Field Day will go directly toward helping families find safety, stability and the support they need to build a stronger future.” 

That generosity carried through every part of the day, reflecting a shared commitment to helping local families move from crisis toward a safer, more stable future. 

“Without the support of our sponsors, staff and community, we would not be able to fundraise in this way or do the amazing work happening across our region,” said Cline Reasor, ForKids Board Chair and Managing Partner of Gratus Wealth Advisors. “Many people think of ForKids as an emergency shelter, and helping families and children get off the street is part of the work. But ForKids does so much more. Our mission is to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children by helping families stabilize, get back on their feet and ensure children have access to a quality education.” 

For former ForKids Kid Maxie Lawton (pictured above), Co-Founder of Phoenix Trial Firm, the day was also a reminder of how far the organization’s reach can extend. Reflecting on his own childhood experience with ForKids, Lawton shared how the organization supported his family during a difficult season and helped shape his connection to community. 

“There was a lot of heart in that small office,” said Lawton, in reference to the agency’s original location at Haven House in Ocean View. “ForKids provided childcare when my mother needed support, and I remember Ms. Thaler always having her door open. Seeing what ForKids has become today — from Haven House to the Colley Avenue locations to The Landmark Center — is incredible, and it is due to the donors and supporters who continue to show up. Thank you from all of us ForKids kids.” 

Throughout the day, participants had opportunities to connect with one another while learning more about the services ForKids provides across southeastern Virginia. Since 1988, ForKids has helped families find stability through housing, education and crisis-response services, including operation of the region’s Housing Crisis Hotline. 

Field Day is one of the many ways the ForKids community helps sustain that work year-round. With every registration, sponsorship, volunteer shift and gift, supporters help create pathways out of poverty for children and families working toward a safe and stable future. 

See more photos from the day.