Top Moments from the 2023 SIV: Celebrating a Year of Achievements
Spring in the Valley Festival 2023 was one for the books! We cannot wait to share all the good we’ll be able to do through Specially Gifted Foundation from the proceeds of this year’s event!
At Specially Gifted Foundation, we believe that children with disabilities deserve to be loved and valued as equals in our society. We respect the unique journey that each of their families face and are dedicated to enriching their lives by providing them with a special gift or opportunity, beneficial resources, and a sense of community.
SIV 2023 was hosted by SGF and presented by Relentless Chiropractic + Wellness. The dedicated SGF team has put their heart and soul into curating an event designed for the entire family. This year’s turnout surpassed even our highest hopes, painting smiles across Rome, Georgia on the unforgettable day of May 20th!
So much new to complement the returning attractions for 2023!
Think bigger and better! We featured fun and joy this year by adding so many activities for our kiddos. From rockwall climbing to a trackless train - you name it, we had it! These new additions were a hit. Back by popular demand, the petting zoo from Grace Fed Farms returned for a second year with all of its fun and festive farm animals.
We’d also like to thank the Police Department and the Fire Department for joining us and bringing some educational fun to the event.
Kiddos bounced like crazy in the bouncy house and then headed over to the SGF Kids Booth for some sensory play, painting, chalk art, and of course the parachute tent! We owe a special thanks to all of the therapists and volunteers who helped out with the Kids Booth!
2023 SIV T-Shirt | John Wyatt
A moment we eagerly await at each Spring in the Valley (SIV) event is the grand reveal of the event t-shirt design, crafted with love and imagination by one of our talented SGF Kiddos. This annual tradition holds a special place in our hearts, showcasing not only the creative brilliance of our Kiddos but also the profound impact of our shared mission.
Year after year, the torch of creativity is passed on to a single remarkable individual. Specifically, we choose one child from the previous year's event, someone who directly benefited from the funds raised through the previous Spring in the Valley event. This choice adds an extra layer of significance to the t-shirt design, embodying the very essence of our mission – transformation and empowerment.
In 2021, SGF Kiddo Jaxon took center stage, imprinting their unique perspective onto the event t-shirt design. The following year, it was SGF Angel Jaley who infused their creative energy into the design for the 2022 edition. And now, in 2023, we shine the spotlight on SGF Kiddo John Wyatt, the creative genius behind this year's design.
*Read about John Wyatt and his family’s story here!
The Smith family really took this task to heart and came up with such an inspiring design. John Wyatt used his hands and feet for the main parts of the design with flowers and sun rays, his mom, Jaclyn, painted the accents, and his dad, Brady, wrote the phrase “You are my Sunshine in the Valley.” We loved it so much, we made it the theme of the entire festival!
VENDOR LIST
Food Trucks:
So yummy, they sold out! Our food vendors stayed busy serving bratwursts, tacos, gourmet sandwiches, shaved ice, and yummy coffee beverages. Most sold out of food before close! Thank you all so much for being there and we hope to have you all back!
Musicians:
With some talented returning musicians, musicians featuring an SGF kiddo, a beautiful violinist/singer, and a trio who competed on The Voice, SIV 2023 was stacked full of talent!
A heartfelt thank you resonates with all of us, extending to the talented artists who generously contributed their time and skill to raise funds for SGF. Your presence and dedication added an unparalleled layer of magic to our event, and we couldn't be prouder or more grateful for your support.
Paul Buffington with Carter Nash (feat. SGF Kid Parker)
Haley Pendleton
Shopping
We had over 30 shopping vendors this year selling crafts, gourmet snacks and desserts, hand painted signs, homemade soaps, jewelry, pottery, and dog goodies, hats, and more!
Special thank you to all vendors and we look forward to having you back again for SIV 2024!
Car and Bike Show
It was year 2 for the SIV Car and Bike Show! This year brought more pristine vehicles and motorcycles and more fun! Outside of the beautiful cars, trucks, and bikes, we had some very special guests… the Shriners Clowns! Thank you to Automax of Rome and Blake Alvey for sponsoring the Car and Bike Show again!
Spring in the Valley 2023 Sponsors
This remarkable event comes to life through the unwavering support of our generous sponsors. Their dedication to our cause and their belief in the power of community uplifts us all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these sponsors for making this event a reality and for being an integral part of our journey toward benefitting the lives of families who have children with disabilities.
Presenting Sponsor
Relentless Chiropractic + Wellness
Supporting Sponsors
Advance Rehabilitation for Kids
Chad and Lee Taylor
Courtesy Automotive Group
FB Taylor Holdings. Inc
Big House Construction
Contributing Sponsors
LEO Takedown
Rome Mechanical
Shottenkirk Honda Rome
River City Bank
Hit Mix USA
Community Partners
The Children's Academy West
Jeff Silvers
Clocktower Creations
Three Rivers Nutrition
Brian's Auto Sales
Brian Rodgers Trucking Co.
Mulkey DumpsterRental
Car and Bike Show Sponsor
Automax of Rome
EVENT VIDEO
Didn't get a chance to attend the event or want to experience the magic all over again? We've got you covered! You can now watch the captivating moments and the incredible performances from SIV 2023 right from the comfort of your own screen.
Our event video captures the essence of the day, from heartwarming performances to touching interactions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the joy and camaraderie that filled the air. Whether you want to relive your favorite moments or catch up on what you missed, our event video offers a front-row seat to the heartwarming celebrations.
Don't miss this chance to witness the talents, the smiles, and the collective effort that made SIV 2023 a day to remember. Simply click the link below to view the event highlights (it’s also featured at the top of this post) and be part of the experience once again.
