DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The cafeteria at Decatur Public Schools was filled with laughter, smiles, and warm embraces Friday morning as students participated in the annual “Kids Invite Someone Special” breakfast.
Hundreds gather at Franklin Grove Elementary in Decatur for the third Kids Invite Someone Special breakfast.
It's third year for the event at Franklin Grove Elementary. Courtney Traeger, the parent liaison said the event continues to grow, bringing together students and their loved ones for a morning of connection.
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“Not everyone lives with a mom or dad, and now they can invite anyone they want to come have a special breakfast with them,” Trager explained. “In past years there's been so much focus on Mom's Day to Grandparents Day, and not everyone has those people available to them."
The event started three years ago. Traeger said it started with 250 attendees and has expanded significantly. Last year, 450 people attended, and this year, that number jumped to 650.
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During the breakfast, students and their guests not only enjoyed a meal together but also created an art piece as a keepsake.
“The excitement they’ve shown the last couple of weeks, just knowing this was coming up, has been incredible,” Traeger said.
As the event continues to grow, Traeger believes events like these can inspire other schools in the area to start similar programs.
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