LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the St. Joe’s Picnic is going virtual for its 171st year, according to a press release from the St. Joseph Children’s Home.
St. Joe’s CEO Grace Akers said they chose not to have the picnic in-person out of concern for the volunteers and attendees, many of whom are in the high-risk category of getting COVID-19, and the large crowds that normally attend the picnic. However, St. Joe’s is still raising money through virtual events leading up to picnic weekend on August 7 and 8.
According to the press release, St. Joe’s will raffle items online, hold virtual sales and stream a live karaoke contest on August 7. There will also be opportunities to drop off donations for the kids. More details on these events will be released over the next few weeks.
“We are hopeful the community of picnic goers will step up to help us again this year by joining us in our new, virtual Picnic adventure,” Akers said.
Akers encouraged the public to take the money they would normally use on games and food at the Picnic and donate it directly to St. Joe’s. The St. Joseph Children’s Home cares for children in the community who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. The home currently serves 1,500 children and family members through foster care and child development programs.
Cecilia Price, the chief communications officer of the Archdioceses of Louisville, told WHAS11 earlier in June that church picnics would not be held this summer because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“In addition to the challenges of social distancing, charitable gaming licenses have been suspended for this type of activity,” Price said. She said some churches may try to host events in the fall, but encouraged people to stay in touch with their parish to stay informed.
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