Here is a previous community event that We Up Next Project founder Latoya Jenkins assisted in organizing with the Dudley Dragon Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The Kick Off Summer event on June 7 will be the first event that Jenkins will host with her nonprofit We Up Next Project. Photo courtesy of We Up Next Project

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) – The communities of Elverta, Rio Linda and Antelope are invited to “We Up Next Project’s” inaugural Kick Off Summer community event from noon to 4 p.m. on June 7 at Lone Oak Park in Antelope.

Lone Oak Park is at 3425 Elverta Road. 

This free event is designed as a day filled with family fun. Activities for children and youth include bounce houses, games, face painting, a craft station, deejay and live music.

Community partners will be on site, offering their resources and information such as Heartland Child & Family Services, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, Sacramento Library, Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, among other youth services organizations. 

Food trucks, which includes Druski’s and Bubba’s snack shack, will provide tasty meals and snacks for attendees.

Latoya Jenkins, founder of the nonprofit We Up Next Project organization, said that this event is designed to bring families together, support small businesses and give children a fun and safe way to kick off the summer season.

“We’re excited to bring the community together to celebrate the start of summer in a fun and meaningful way,” said Jenkins.

There will be raffles for both children and adults to participate in. The children’s raffle is free to enter and prizes will be children’s toys. Another raffle for adults will cost a dollar to enter and prizes include gift cards from Starbucks Coffee and Leatherby’s Family Creamery. 

The We Up Next Project aims to build a strong core foundation for youth in the community by utilizing fun activities to strengthen their characters and become positive, productive citizens, according to Jenkins. The  organization’s approach is to provide the connection to resources to empower underprivileged youth through education and mentorship.

Although this event is being held in Antelope, Jenkins said, the surrounding communities of Rio Linda and Elverta are encouraged to attend this event. 

“Events like these help us build stronger neighborhoods and show our youth what’s possible when we come together,” Jenkins said.

For more information about the We Up Next Project and the Kickoff Summer event on June 7, visit weupnextproject.com or call 916-370-2540.