Local nonprofit hosts free, community-wide event at UC Health Park

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A local nonprofit organization hosted its first outdoor, community-wide event for families on Saturday.

Forge Evolution Executive Director Morgan Mote, formerly known as Teen Court, said rather than their typical annual luncheon, the organization wanted to provide a free, engaging event for the community to enjoy.

"As we began to think about this year, we thought, that's not going to work, and what do our families really need?" Mote said, "They don't need a luncheon. They need a community event. They need an event outside to celebrate with their families."

Families were treated to live music, games, activities, resources and local vendors at UC Health Park Saturday afternoon.

"It's difficult to find different programs or organizations without spending hours on Google or Facebook groups to go through and try to figure out where you can lead your kids, especially over the summer, and that kind of thing." Tiara Sommerfeld said, "So, it's really nice that they put this sort of thing together."

The organization, which announced its name change Saturday, has dedicated its resources over the last 25 years to helping at-risk youth in the Colorado Springs community.

"They get to walk away with resources. They get to walk away with remembering today as a family, as a community," Mote said.