A high-energy day at Sunsational Farms brought the community together for more than just entertainment, as The Care Closet hosted its annual Fueled Up for Summer event to help address food insecurity among local students.

The family-focused event drew an estimated 500 to 800 attendees and featured a wide range of activities, including a touch-a-truck experience with Lake County vehicles, a car show, monster trucks, face painting, a bounce house obstacle course and other attractions. Local businesses and community partners were also on site, contributing to a day centered on connection and support.

At the heart of the event is The Care Closet’s mission to ensure children have access to food when school is not in session. The Lake County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit currently provides weekend meal bags to approximately 45 to 50 families each week through Sorrento Elementary and Altoona School.

Organizers say the need becomes even more critical during the summer months, when students lose consistent access to school-provided meals. Fueled Up for Summer is one of the organization’s largest annual efforts, helping raise both funding and awareness to support families during that time.

One of the event’s highlights was a relay race featuring local law enforcement agencies paired with children. Teams raced to pack and deliver food bags in a hands-on activity that reflected the organization’s mission. The relay was sponsored by Chick-fil-A.

Throughout the day, families also had the opportunity to enjoy free food and activities while engaging with first responders and community organizations. Organizers say the event was designed not only to raise support, but to create a space where families could simply enjoy time together.

By the end of the event, more than $1,500 had been raised, with proceeds going directly toward providing food for families through the organization’s summer program.

The Care Closet operates entirely through donations and focuses on providing support with dignity and minimal barriers, offering assistance without applications or red tape. Organizers say continued community involvement is key to sustaining the program and ensuring families have access to food year-round.