SPAN Celebrates 35th Anniversary With Birthday Fest

SPAN’s mascot danced to the music as a live band entertained crowds at the nonprofit’s Birthday Fest.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Attendees placed food donations in one of two pickup trucks based on their favorite local baseball team. Joanne Petrik (left) and Maia Grabau received donations from Orioles fans.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Nancy Stow (left) and Linda Murphy collected food donations from Nationals fans during the friendly competition.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Emily (right) and Tim Greaves competed in the “Raingutter Regatta” that Cub Scouts Pack 918 hosted during SPAN’s Birthday Fest.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Ava Wilusz had her face adorned with a unicorn by face painter Amy Theune.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Pat Hunt (left) and Nancy Cody were on hand in a tent that informed attendees all about how SPAN serves the community.

Photos by Meredith Winter

A progress thermometer showed that SPAN is closing in on its goal to raise $35,000 in recognition of the organization’s 35th anniversary in order to provide more financial assistance to those in need.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Crowds gathered to play games and win prizes at SPAN’s Birthday Fest.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Chevy’s Fresh Mex and Greek on the Street were among food vendors serving hungry Birthday Fest-goers throughout the event.

Photos by Meredith Winter

Posted Thursday, April 10, 2025 11:44 am

On April 5, the leadership of SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) hosted an outdoor Birthday Fest at Severna Park United Methodist Church to celebrate the nonprofit’s 35th anniversary with the community. Churches, Scouts, and other businesses and groups were on hand to make the party enjoyable for all. Live bands entertained with music, kids played games, adults enjoyed food from food trucks and other vendors, and SPAN collected both monetary gifts and food donations to help stock its pantry. Learn more about all that SPAN does, from helping those in need with food to providing emergency financial assistance to help avoid utility shutoff and other hardships, at www.spanhelps.org.