Including You, the Joliet nonprofit founded in 2017 by Julia Alexander, is hosting its annual family festival on Saturday, July 29 from 5:30pm to 11:30pm in Joliet City Center in front of the Rialto Theatre.

As in years past, the festival will raise money for two worthy organizations that contribute to the betterment of lives in the Joliet community and Will County. Funds raised by the event will benefit the Fairmont Community Partnership Group in Lockport, which provides clothing, food, and other resources to those in need, and the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet.

The festival will kick off with a gospel hour, followed by rhythm & blues musical entertainment. Family-friendly activities will include magic shows, face painting and games for children. Local food and drink vendors will offer refreshments. Tickets for the event are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free.

A community advocate, Alexander is president and CEO of Including You, and has spearheaded efforts to raise money for Will County nonprofits working to improve the lives of youth and families. The mission of Including You, according to Alexander, is to empower, inspire, and educate. These core values enhance the self-esteem of a spirited Joliet community.

The festival attendance in the past has helped generate financial support for the recipients. “Over the last five years, we have raised at least $50,000,” Alexander said. Some of the beneficiaries over the years have included the Boys and Girls Club and Forest Park Community Center.

“Even In 2020 during COVID, when there was no festival, we still gave a small amount to the Spanish Community Center and MorningStar Mission in Joliet,” she added. The inaugural family festival raised $6,000 for Redeemed Connections Ministries and Will-Grundy Medical Clinic in Joliet.

Alexander said she could not accomplish these goals without the volunteers. “I want to thank all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff,” she said. “Our volunteers come from all walks of life from people who work in the courthouse, business owners, church members to bankers.”

Though they may come from different backgrounds, Alexander said, “They all have the common goal to serve the community and give back.”

Alexander said she finds it “extremely rewarding” to reflect on Including You accomplishments over the years.

“It is the connection, collaboration and friendships you come into when you work with the public,” she said. “People are willing to help when they see you are doing something positive, and I love that part.”

Alexander said she can never take a break from planning when it comes to the yearly family festival.

“I never stop planning,” she said. “I am in my head already planning for next year. After this year’s festival, I host an appreciation dinner for our members and volunteers and that is when we present the checks to the organizations.”

Advance tickets for the festival will be available at the Rock and Roll Museum, 9 W. Cass Street, Joliet; Elks lodge, 3545 S. State Street, Lockport; and Old National Bank locations at 212 N. Chicago Street, 1415 W. Jefferson Street, and 1301 N. Larkin Avenue, all in Joliet.

For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit their website at https://www.includingyouinc.org/ .