Foster children from Fall River and beyond get treated to private zoo party

This past Sunday, the Friends of Jack Foundation rented out the Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford for two hours and threw a private party for hundreds of foster children and their families (children and family members total came to 513). The party included food and goodies donated by On The Go Catering in Mattapoisett, Ice Cream from the Acushnet Creamery in Acushnet and Cupcakes from the Artisan Bake Shop in Rochester. Entertainment was provided by the Princesses of New Bedford, Michael Rock Entertainment, Toe Jam Puppet Jam and Banana Wig. The kids had endless carousel rides as well as face painting.

Representative Patricia Haddad generously paid for a bus for the Fall River guests to get to and from the event. “We know from the state level that foster families have it very difficult and we appreciate what they do, but they don’t always have the ability to do special things that we are able to do for our children. If it weren’t for Friends of Jack Foundation and for Jill, I would not be able to be part of such a special event and I thank her and the foundation for including me.” – Rep. Haddad

“This is one of the many private parties The Friends of Jack Foundation will be throwing for the children of the SouthCoast. I love our team and I love all of our generous sponsors that make this a possibility.” – Jill Fearons, Friends of Jack Foundation founder

The Friends of Jack Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2019 by Jilline Fearons. It is named in honor of her son, Jack, who is living with Chiari Malformation, a rare condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. The Friends of Jack Foundation organizes overlooked healthcare-focused programs for children in the greater SouthCoast region of Massachusetts. These programs include Teddy bear and superhero costume programs for kids who are experiencing a situation that may be stressful or scary. Fearons discovered the importance of small but impactful gestures while navigating many emergency and high-risk medical procedures with Jack.