LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The St. Joseph Children's Home is celebrating its 175th annual picnic.
The St. Joe's Picnic for the Kids is estimated to bring nearly 50,000 people to the the St. Joe's campus on Frankfort Avenue.
The nonprofit serves thousands of Kentucky children in the foster care system. The formation of the nonprofit was in 1849 -- also the year of the first fundraising picnic.
The picnic is the biggest fundraiser of the year. They have a goal to raise $1 million.
All of the proceeds go to the children served by St. Joe's, Suzy Hillebrand, the chief advancement officer for St. Joseph Children's Home, said.
"The number one part of it is the community and seeing that they get what were doin," Hillebrand said.
Sponsors, vendors and volunteers donate both their time and money throughout the weekend.
"We raise money for a great cause, which then goes to the children," Charles Hanson, an employee for Wyler, one of the companies that sponsored the picnic, said.
"175 years -- it just goes to show you how much Louisville has come behind everybody to support this cause," Hanson added.
Ken Kaelin has volunteered at the picnic for 30 years.
"It helps the children who might not have as good as a time that we have," Kaelin said. "It's a special place, I've seen them place a lot of children here."
Joe Drury has attended the picnic for 25 years. He said he brings the whole family out for the carnival games, and his granddaughter said her favorite part is winning prizes.
"So much money has been raised for the kids, that's why we're here," Drury said.
Hillebrand said the money raised goes to special therapy, activities and necessities for the over 200 kids they serve a week.
She said since St. Joseph's Children's Home was formed, they've served more than 75,000 children.
"It's a long weekend for our team, but at the end of it we run on that energy," Hillebrand said.
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