HERMISTON — Area foster youths and resource families had a splashing good time Friday, July 21, at the annual pool party planned by the local Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare office.

Karlee Wallace, resource family retention and recruitment champion for districts 9 and 12, said 121 people attended the event at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center.

In addition to swimming, attendees enjoyed a barbecue dinner with Kiwanis Club members from Hermiston and Pendleton diving in to help by manning the grill. Also, Wallace said, each family took a watermelon home, thanks to a donation from Bellinger Farms. And three winners from the splash contest walked away with medals and gift cards from Destiny Theatres.

“This is an event both the families, youth and staff look forward to every year,” Wallace said. “It gives families and youth the opportunity to connect with one another and have an evening to enjoy themselves.”

Additional donations for the event, which also covered pool-rental costs, were provided by Elmer’s Irrigation, ITC Services, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington from Boardman, the Oregon National Guard in Hermiston, Desert Lanes Family Fun Center and the Walmart and Safeway stores in Pendleton.

Wallace said pool and Hermiston Parks and Recreation staff were helpful in organizing the event.

“We are grateful to all who wrapped around us to ensure this event went smoothly and was a great time for the children and families,” she said.

DHS Child Welfare, she said, is looking forward to other events for resource families and foster youths. For information on how to become a resource family, respite provider or to support upcoming activities, contact Wallace at 541-561-8388 or karlee.wallace@odhs.oregon.gov.