Face-painting was just one of many free activities offered to attendees at this year's Bancroft Day. For more photos of the event, click here.

10.13.11 ¦ Bancroft Day a crowd-pleaser

The rescheduled Bancroft Day celebration on Saturday was well worth the wait! The new date provided abundant sunshine, and enabled us to share the day with Build Jake's Place - a group that developed an accessible playground which opened that very morning at the site.

The day started with the Jake's Place grand opening ceremony, which included a short parade of children led to the new playground by Mummers. The beautiful new playground (at Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill, N.J.) was a big attraction for the hundreds of children in attendance - both Bancroft students and others from the community.

Bancroft Day followed, with its "street fair" of music, dancing, games, craft activities, vendors, refreshments and more.

Artwork displayed around the park featured the works of people from across the organization. Performances throughout the day included a concert by Joyful Noise (a choir of adults with disabilities, many of whom are supported by Bancroft), a sing-along by entertainer Jessica Carroll, strolling guitar music and singing by staff member Kevin Sullivan, D.J. services by employee Mike Pierce, and a team of Gospel groups - from jazz to rap - coordinated by staff member Wendy Young.

Another highlight was a "flash mob" dance routine performed by Core Academy Dance Troupe. A moon bounce and a face-painting station were among other popular attractions.

"Thanks to all of the fabulous volunteers who made the day such a success," says staff member Deb Conner, who oversees the event.

In fact, one woman stood up in Ms. Conner's church the following day, and through tears expressed her joy at seeing her loved one so happy at Bancroft Day, and being able to share such a beautiful day with him.

"That is what makes all the effort worthwhile," says Ms. Conner. "It's another way we can enrich our world."